From a Small Beginnings to Something Bigger
Five years ago, Operation Christmas started as a 501c3, merely handing out meals during the holiday season. But today, it has grown exponentially, now distributing presents to children aged 0-18. Last year, they reached 300 children, and this year, they are on track to serve over 500, with applications still open. Modesitt explains, "We saw that there were multiple organizations for little kids, but no one was catering to teenagers. Most organizations stopped at 12, leaving 13 to 18-year-olds feeling left out. So, we came together to make sure they didn't get forgotten."Current Biggest Needs
The current biggest needs are bedding supplies such as bed pillows, comforters, and blankets to keep the kids warm. Shoes and coats are also in high demand. For hygiene products, both for males and females, it's a crucial aspect. Modesitt elaborates, "Bed pillows, comforters, blankets - these are the warm things that make a difference. Shoes and coats are essential for the cold months. Hygiene is the biggest thing for our teens. They want the smell goods - deodorants, toothpaste, shampoos, makeups for the girls, and curling irons. Boys like the axe set, deodorants, and colognes. These things help them feel like they fit in with the other teens."Collecting Donations for All Ages
Operation Christmas is collecting donations for kids of any age. To sponsor a child or multiple, one can visit Operation Christmas for MOV Kids. All families go through a database, ensuring that each child gets help from only one facility. The motto of Operation Christmas for Mid-Ohio Valley Kids is "Giving kids a reason to smile on Christmas." This initiative truly makes a difference in the lives of these children during the holiday season."Helping Hands: Frederick Fire Department's Food Box Initiative"
How the Food Box Sign Up Works
The sign up process for the Food Box is simple. People can either sign themselves up or nominate someone else if they know of someone in need during this holiday season. The sign up window is open from now until Friday, December 13, giving everyone ample time to participate. This initiative truly embodies the spirit of giving during the festive period.
The firefighters at Frederick Fire Department play a crucial role in making this event possible. They give up a portion of their paychecks throughout the year to contribute to the food boxes. Their dedication and sacrifice are truly remarkable.
Monetary Donations and Their Impact
Monetary donations are warmly welcomed and highly appreciated. Each donation directly helps to feed a family in the community. Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. By donating, you are joining hands with the Frederick Fire Department in their mission to provide food and support to those in need.
The funds collected through these donations are used to purchase a variety of nutritious food items that will sustain families during difficult times. It is a tangible way to show love and care for one's fellow community members.
Contact Information for More Help
If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to the Food Box event or have any questions, you can easily get in touch with the Frederick Fire Department through the information provided on their website. They are always ready to assist and guide you in making a positive impact.
By getting involved in this initiative, you are becoming an integral part of the Frederick community's efforts to combat food scarcity. Together, we can make a difference.
"Forgotten Harvest's Grocery Hope: A Protein Donation's Impact"
Protein Shortage at Forgotten Harvest
Annmarie Zaremba, Director of Food Sourcing at Forgotten Harvest, highlights the struggle they face with obtaining protein. "We struggle with protein here," she says. "Protein is one of the things that's hardest for us to source." This shortage poses a challenge as protein is a crucial component of a balanced diet and often the most expensive item at the grocery store.
As prices continue to rise, families sometimes have to forego protein, which can have a negative impact on their health and well-being. The team at Forgotten Harvest understands the importance of providing protein to those in need and is grateful for donations like the one from E.W. Grobbel.
The Donation from E.W. Grobbel
E.W. Grobbel, a family-based food company, has made a significant contribution by donating and delivering over 7,000 units of protein to Forgotten Harvest. This donation includes packages of corned beef, beef brisket, and other meats.
Jason Grobbel, CEO of E.W. Grobbel, emphasizes the group effort among their 400 employees. "Our entire team is proud and passionate about helping share all of the good things they do for folks who are needy in the community. It's a group effort among our 400 employees. We know how important Forgotten Harvest is."
Distribution and Impact
Forgotten Harvest distributes food to over 250 partner agencies, and the meat donations from E.W. Grobbel will be divided among these groups and distributed across the community. This will ensure that a large number of families have access to much-needed protein.
The impact of this donation goes beyond just providing food. It gives hope to families who are struggling to make ends meet and helps them maintain a balanced diet. It also shows the power of community support and the importance of organizations like Forgotten Harvest in addressing food insecurity.