Location: Cornerstone Foundation Soup Kitchen, South Park Inn, Saint Elizabeth House & Friendship Center, Bernard Park
Day Before the event:
On Friday Ashlei and myself were prepared to finish the care packages and collect donuts, however, I had to work. So while Ashlei was finishing up packaging the care packages, I was at work and started packaging all of the munchkins and separating the donuts so they were ready for the donation trays but also ready to hand out at the event. At around 10 p.m., Ashlei arrived at Dunkin and we started packaging the rest of the donuts, finishing around 11:30 p.m., then heading home. We were able to collect 142 items that were in a variety of donuts, bagels, and muffins for the shelter and soup kitchen; which they each received 2 trays each. For our event, we were able to collect about 360 muchkins; which we wrapped in separate bags in order to hand them out at the event.
From that point, we returned to finish up the last details and items that needed to go into the care packages. Candy was added into easter eggs, as this month was the month of Easter. We were finally able to finish the care packages with each getting an easter egg full of candy and a positive quote card.
For this month we decided that the care packages would have a more personal touch. They included the essentials we always provide: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, face masks, and what we have recently made as essential items being shavers and ear swabs. Due to this month being Easter month, we talked and decided that it would be a nice surprise if each bag had an Easter egg filled with candy. Not only would it be an added personal touch but a little gift of a chocolate surprise. We also added hand-written quote cards with messages that were there to encourage and perhaps give those who read it a more positive outlook.
Day of the Event:
The following morning we had a late start, but we were able to drop off 2 trays at the Cornerstone Foundation Soup Kitchen, and then headed to St. Elizabeth’s House and Friendship Center and dropped off 2 trays as well. From there we headed to the park and were waiting for Abigail and Shayla so we could set up the table. There were 2 other groups set up at the park as well when we arrived, including H.Y.P.E. and a local church. They were handing out hot foods as well as picking up trash around the park. We set up our table with care packages and with treats from Dunkin. It was great to see that although we were from different places we were all there for one common thing, and that was to provide a small helping hand to those who need it. Within about an hour and a half, we were out of care packages and treats and we had to leave the park with a promise to come again in the next month. While we were at the park we were able to get some added information on two other locations we can go by to hand out our care packages and we look forward to next month’s event in order to do so. It is always a learning experience when we have a park event and we can’t wait to make them even better in the future.
After the event we were left to deliver the last of the donations, so we brought the last of the donuts to the South Park Inn. We were not able to take that many pictures but we were able to do a small facebook live post and hopefully in the future we can have an even bigger turnout and volunteer system in place.
Our Next event is a Shelter Run on 04/17/21! We can’t wait to see you soon!
Don’t forget to stay safe and stay H.O.P.E.F.U.L!
