Food Drive Finale!

Totaling over 800 pounds, the well needed food donation was picked up by the Center for Family Services last week. The Food drive continued through the end of November as Residents, Families, Staff and Community members brought in their donations. Those who donated goods received a complimentary Juniper Tote as a Thank you for the kindness and to further lessen the impact of plasic bags on the environment.

We all wondered who received the food donations and if it would be enough. We pondered how to thank all those who donated to our Meadville Community. We were wondering...could we have done more? JUST as we were reflecting, Tonya Moyer, Adminstrator at Juniper, and I took pause to peer out the window at the beautiful snowflakes. We saw a gentleman exit his car, Juniper Tote in hand. It brought a smile to our faces, proving to us that kindness is everywhere. "I wonder if he donated to the food bank!" Tonya exclaimed. We giggled at the timing and glowed with pride at the impact our Juniper Family may have made on another family this Season.

When Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training and Operational Oversight, outlined to each Juniper Village, the expectations for the community food drive, we never imagined our small community would give so much. Diane has a way of explaining, even a seemingly unsurmountable task, in a way that inspires one to want to succeed. Those who know Diane, know it to be true that she believes in her local community, our Meadville Community and the Juniper Family culture. What a wonderful way to give back! Thank you for inspiring us, Diane.

Meadville took the food drive challenge and we all knew we could make a difference for local families. I observed individuals giving of themselves, who did not have much to give and local businesses rising to the challenge. Byham's Insurance brought in over 100 pounds of food alone. It inspired our Juniper Community to want to give more. We challenged eachother to bring more, and to give of ourselves more. So, although we fell slightly short of our goal, we feel good about the work we put forth to bring in the donations. After all, it is about the Journey, right?

When Tonya and I saw the gentleman on the street, sporting his Food Drive tote, we were reminded that kindness shows up at the least expected moments. Slow down and Celebrate the Little Things : Cherish the Journey...had we not stopped to appreciate natures blanket of snow, we would have missed that Joyful moment.

Those wishing to still donate to the Center for Family Services Food Pantry can contact them at 814.337.8454 or take their donations to the Food Pantry located at the old Talon building on Arch Street. Happy Holidays!