MetroNational’s Post

Watch the video tour of the P.A.C.K. facility! Recently, we had an incredible PACK the Van event at the Isle of Hope, where we got an exclusive tour of the P.A.C.K. warehouse and distribution center, guided by Malena Stone herself! The organization and beauty she has infused into this space are truly breathtaking. For those who appreciate an impeccably organized environment (yes, fellow OCD friends, I'm talking to you!), this place is a dream. The bag-packing area operates with unparalleled efficiency – a model of streamlined operations crucial for packing over 4,300 weekly bags for kids. With 1 in 3 children in Southeast Georgia facing food insecurity, the impact of this efficiency cannot be overstated. Malena explained there are another 2000 kids on the waiting list for these food bags! But there's more to the warehouse than just efficiency; the shop area, thoughtfully designed by Malena, creates an experience akin to shopping in a high-end store for the kids. This beautiful, clean, and welcoming space is where children can select clothes and supplies that would otherwise be unaffordable for them. Additionally, it's here that 'emergency bags' are prepared for kids in urgent need, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. These emergency bags, akin to overnight bags, are equipped with a change of clothes and essential items to support the children for a day or two.   Words can not do justice to how impressive this place is – you have to see it for yourself. Check out our video for a full tour, and prepare to be amazed! In light of recent budget cuts, they desperately need the support!! (our ingenious politicians have cut 70% of their budget) P.A.C.K. needs our support more than ever to continue their vital work. Every donation makes a difference in combating child hunger in our community. Click the link below to donate NOW, and help us keep making a positive impact! Donate Here → https://bit.ly/PACKTheVAN   #PACKSavannah #CommunityImpact #VolunteeringJoy"

I’ve been quiet…it’s weirding people out. But here’s why: 2-3% of children in the USA don't have beds. They sleep on the floor in piles of clothes or blankets or…whatever they can get. And for six months, we've been quietly strategizing how to help change that statistic. Check it out: Kristin and I just launched Luff Sheets, where every sheet set sold *also* means a new set of sheets donated to organizations that build beds for kids. People need sheets, the kids need sheets. It’s a win/win and a more meaningful approach to retail therapy. Not only are the sheets incredibly comfortable and buttery (we don’t sleep on anything else anymore), but holy sugar…we had no idea the demand for donated sheets. It’s huge. Collectively, these organizations need thousands of sheet sets each year. We hope to soon be delivering them by the pallet load soon! - Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Buildingbeds.org (part of BridgePoint Church FL) - Building Beds 4 Kids - Beds for Kids - And more to follow…it’s overwhelming. If you know other organizations in need, have them reach out! Link below 😀 In celebration of our launch, we’re DOUBLING our donation for all preorders between now and February 29th. Not only that, but take 15% off using code 4THEKIDS. Join us in our mission to make bedtime better for children across the country. Maybe you’re not in the market for sheets, but if you’re the kind of person who wants to spread the good around, we’d love it if you liked and shared. Thank you! #LuffSheets #donate #dogood #newbeginnings

Join me in the fight against hunger! Learn more about how you can provide the much needed help during the holiday season!

🥫 Ever wondered how you can make an even bigger impact on fighting hunger our community? Let's talk about the power of monthly donations. 1️⃣ Consistent Support: Your commitment helps us plan and distribute resources more effectively, ensuring that we can consistently meet the needs of those facing food insecurity in our community. 2️⃣ Long-Term Impact: While one-time donations are fantastic (and we truly appreciate them!), ongoing monthly contributions allow us to implement sustainable solutions. 3️⃣ Adaptability in Crisis: Monthly donors play a crucial role in helping us respond swiftly to unexpected challenges. Whether it's a sudden increase in demand or unforeseen circumstances, your continuous support enables us to adapt and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. We are incredibly grateful for every single donation we receive, and we want to express our deepest appreciation for your support. If you haven't already, consider becoming a monthly donor, please do so. For just $1.85 a day, or the cost of a cup of coffee, you can ensure a child has the nutritious food they need to grow into a healthy adult. Sign up Here: https://lnkd.in/gaHKyySn #FeedingCommunity #CambridgeOntario #Cbridge

Last week, my family spent a couple of days up north helping my husband, Don Riedthaler and the Ignite Northwest team, in their company’s test kitchen make and package meals for hungry kids. Between Don and I having worked decades in the restaurant industry, owning a restaurant of our own and having Don (aka Dad) as the primary cook at home, we have an abundance of food surrounding us, especially around the holidays. It felt so good (thanks to the powerful happiness hormone, oxytocin) to spent time in service to others. In the process, I noticed 3 benefits that parallel the neuroscience research in this article written by Brian de Lottinville  https://lnkd.in/ggG4wUY3   1.    Synergy 2.    Cooperation 3.    Connectedness   More benefits observed:   1.    Empathy 2.    Laughter and play 3.    Conversation 4.    Future strategic planning and decision making   It’s no wonder companies invest in team building where bonds can be formed. Though, upon reflection, the experience of helping others (for me) trumped some of the more prescriptive team building activities I’ve witnessed or participated in (karaoke bars, and escape rooms come to mind). What has your experience with team building been, and what are the possibilities for designing these opportunities with others in mind?   If neuroscience fascinates you too, check out this article by Ritvo who writes about the neurochemical drivers of happiness:  Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin make up the Happiness Trifecta in this article:   https://lnkd.in/gqrX5QDA

There is still time to get involved with our Acheson Christmas Hamper Drive. Until the big collection day on December 6th at Western Star Trucks (North) Ltd we will be conveying more about the need for donations this year. Today we are sharing information about the Parkland Food Bank Society as we are asking businesses to collect non-perishable food items for this year's Christmas Hamper program. Did you know that 40% of individuals served are children and that 33% are single parents? The Parkland Food Bank provides food for 2400 individuals a month! Did you also know that for the first time, there has been a significant increase in food bank clients who reported employment as their main source of income? Every donation, no matter the amount can make an impact. We have included a link to the items that are most needed. https://lnkd.in/gqMJB6Py Let's make a difference in the lives of individuals and families this holiday season!

Food donations are lowest in summer months, just when families need additional food to feed children who are home on summer break. Without the schools’ free or reduced-cost breakfasts and lunches, our families struggle more in summer months to provide full, nutritious meals for their children. Last month, we were short over 1,000 items for our June distribution. As we prepare for July and August distributions, we anticipate even larger collection shortages. While our donations are at their lowest, the need in our community is at its highest. Currently, over 2,500 individuals (663 families) in Chapel Hill and Carrboro rely on our monthly Food for Families distributions, including 1,450 children. Can you help us fill the gap in donations with a financial gift? 30 can help us bridge the gap for 2 families. $60 will ensure full bags for 4 families. $100 means 7 families will receive all food categories for every summer food distribution. Donate at https://lnkd.in/gMnikK-e. 

Now that we have #BlackFriday & #CyberMonday out the way, we have officially entered the season of gratitude and giving. Today is International Giving Tuesday! In the next 24 hours, we want to raise funds to support the MBS Hunger Relief Campaign “Clear The Tab.” Every dollar raised will go toward the Round Rock ISD school lunch account deficit. Did you know every year, the State of Texas is finding ways to send less and less state funding back to the 🏫 schools? Like many school districts, RRISD is tasked with budget cuts, but the state expects all Academic Departments to thrive, including the Food Service Department. We are calling on action on this Giving Tuesday to help us support the RRISD Food Service Department; many children go hungry at school if their lunch account is negative and their parents are struggling financially. There is no such thing as a too-small donation $3, $5, 10, or $20 from the community when you are looking to help a child with a nutritious meal and fight public school food insecurities. Have you made your annual donation to a worthy cause this year? Help us start the day off strong by making a donation and clicking that share button! · CASH APP: https://lnkd.in/gWN2psMm · PayPal: https:https://lnkd.in/gW7EsjDX · SPEARS: https://lnkd.in/gkVjCwqd (Tax-deductible) #GivingTuesday #GiveBack #CleartheTab #EndFoodInsecurities #HungerRelief #MotivatedMBS #MBSisontheMOVE #RoundRockSGRHOs #MuBetaSigma

As you make your shopping list for this holiday season, we hope you will consider adding items for our Cozy Drive. This will be our 2nd year organizing this drive and we are so excited to make a big impact. We are collecting all items ""cozy"" to keep kiddos warm and dry this winter season. We are looking for kids clothes, jacket, hats and other items that might help keep kids warm and dry. We are also collecting diapers and pull ups this year. Larger sizes are in the most need. These donations will be helping to support a couple of our favorite local organizations: NW Children's Outreach: this local organization functions as a collection and distribution center, collecting resources for children and distributing the goods to local Care Providers and organizations who meet directly with and prescreen the children. 15,000+ Children were served in 2022 A Family Place: this local organization helps families in many ways and they start with helping to meet a very basic need for their young children and will take all the diapers. More than 600 children and families are served each year. So while you are making your list, and checking it twice, won't you considering our cozy drive? Ideas to donate: Clothing for kids size 1 year to 18 years Jackets Hats Gloves Diapers- Size 3, 4 & 5 Pull-Ups Wipes #giveback #roofingcontractor #simplythebest #simplyaffordableroofing

One of the easiest ways to support the kids served by GO Pantry is to donate food items we need to fill our Spring Break GO Boxes. 🌷☀️🌈 And if you don't have the time or physical capacity to hold an official food drive in your workspace, simply shop our Amazon Wish List and have our most needed items shipped directly to our warehouse! 📦 Spring Break GO Boxes provide a week's worth of kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare food for kids who experience food insecurity when they aren't in school (and as a result, aren't receiving school-provided breakfast and lunch). Click through to access our wish list, or email sarah@gopantry.org for a full list of items needed for GO Boxes. https://lnkd.in/gdhB2Agg