It’s natural to think about the many people in our nation and world who desperately need a helping hand. We are all aware of the world-wide natural disasters that have recently occurred. And many of us give most generously to the worthwhile charities trying to help.
But do you ever feel like you want to participate more directly? If you do, you’re part of a growing number of people taking grassroots actions with events to help neighbors in their community.
If you think it won’t make a difference, think again. According to America’s Second Harvest, local food drives provide nearly one third of the two billion pounds of food it distributes annually. During 2010, United Way of Greater Greensboro hosted “community conversations” to identify the issues most important to Greensboro residents. Four issue areas emerged from the community: financial stability, access to health care, successful school experiences, and positive youth development. United Way of Greater Greensboro recognizes basic needs must be met while working toward resolving larger community issues. It’s hard to imagine that 1 out of 4 of our neighbors here in Greensboro are experiencing food hardships. When individuals, organizations, governments and businesses set aside their special interests and work together, we can make a difference. Living United means being part of the change.
On Tuesday, June 21st individuals and families across the country will participate in the fourth annual United Way Day of Action. Here in Greensboro, the event will be the MeaningFULL Meals’ Drive Through and Drop Off. At the central office, United Way of Greater Greensboro is hosting a drop off zone to collect non-perishable food items for the MeaningFULL Meals Nutrition Project. You may drop off your non-perishable items between 6am-10am and again between 4pm-7pm.
After the non-perishable food is dropped off at the central United Way office the food will be taken to Gillespie Park Elementary School, where United Way Volunteers will be packing bags of food that will be distributed to the children of families in the Gillespie Park community.
Although, helping your community can be a onetime gesture, it can be so much more! The United Way of Greater Greensboro is continuing MeaningFULL Meals all summer long! Between June 13th and August 15th, you can donate non-perishable foods to Gillespie Park Elementary School Monday through Thursday from 9am – 1pm. Or, if you are looking to volunteer time helping prepare bags of food for the next day would be extremely helpful! You can volunteer your time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm. To learn more about this project, visit our website at www.unitedwaygso.org. If you are interested in signing up to be part of the MeaningFULL Meals please call us at (336) 378-5033.
Article Written by Volunteer, Amy Riss.
Kudos to the United Way for this important project. While children eat nutritious meals at school, during the summer it much harder to be sure their needs are met. This project closes that gap in a very innovative way. Thanks to those families who donate the food and the volunteers who help with the packaging. And thanks to the United Way for their leadership.