As the year comes to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your generosity has played a vital role in helping us achieve some remarkable milestones, and we are thrilled to share our recent accomplishments with you.
Since our last update through the end of November, we’ve been hard at work rescuing and delivering essential items to local charities and non-profit organizations, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Here’s a snapshot of our recent efforts:
Food Rescues
1,025 pounds of bagels from Back Home Bagels in Schnecksville
700+ pounds of pastries and bakery items from Egypt Star Bakery
400+ pounds of sandwiches and snacks from Wawa
50 pounds of mouthwash and toothpaste, along with 100+ pounds of new and gently used clothes from Kenney Dental
If you’re interested in setting up a food or product drive with your business, please let us know!
OATH (Operation: Address the Homeless)
2,500+ pounds of food and personal care items, including canned vegetables, diapers, toilet paper, protein shakes, bath towels, and snacks, relocated through our charity surplus rescue program
Similar-sized rescues from OATH are expected twice a month, benefiting organizations like Northern Lehigh Food Bank, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Helping Hands Ministry, Allentown Rescue Mission, and The Kindness Project
Fresh Produce Redistribution
200+ pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and breads collected from a weekly give-out at NLFB and delivered to OATH
Community Collaboration
Utilized damaged shipping containers with perfectly good food, including 100+ pounds of delicious pumpkin rolls and cheesecakes, coordinated via Northern Lehigh Food Bank for Thanksgiving
Volunteer Engagement
An impressive 230+ volunteer hours logged – if you’re interested in volunteering, please let us know!
Looking ahead to December, here’s a sneak peek into what’s coming up:
Partnering with a local self-storage company to temporarily store items during our coordination of deliveries
Scheduling 2x monthly higher volume surplus pickups from OATH
Initiating a fundraising drive to purchase a vehicle for 2024, with opportunities for businesses (and individuals) to contribute and have their logos prominently displayed
Moreover, we’re actively seeking volunteers to join our regular weekly pickups from Back Home Bagels, Egypt Star Bakery, and a Wawa location in Allentown. Your involvement will help us scale our impact and collaborate with more businesses eager to contribute to our mission.
Incredibly exciting news – we were recently awarded our first grant! Just Born, the renowned makers of marshmallow Peeps, Mike&Ikes, Hot Tamales, and Peanut Chews, generously granted us $1,500 to cover transportation costs for item delivery and pickup.
As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the positive change we’ve collectively made in the community. We’re inspired by your commitment to making a difference, and we invite you to stay tuned for more updates in the next newsletter.
Should you have any questions or wish to get involved further, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your continued support is the driving force behind our success, and together, we look forward to achieving even greater things in the coming year.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and gratitude,