Giving Back in 2018 – Natalia Morais
My father’s childhood was very poor and often he didn’t have what to eat or wear, so he raised me and my sister very aware of how fortunate we are to have food in the table every day – a basic need that many take for granted. I’m very thankful that I’ve never experienced hunger myself, and whenever I can, I like to reach out to those in need. When the PML team decided to take our “client gift budget” to donate to a charity of our choice, I had no doubt I wanted to help a food bank.
I decided to give my donation to the Providence Food Pantry in Quakertown because it is a local cause close to my heart and I love the work they do with the families in need.
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, instead of just handing out food, the volunteers prepare breakfast for the families in need, spend time with them and help them with other areas of their lives, such as finding counseling and looking for jobs. A lot of the people that go in are elderly and feel lonely, so they really appreciate the time and companionship.
I’ve volunteered for them in the past and I knew they could use the help this holiday season. Back in July, Providence had a fire and lost all the food pantry supplies and storage areas. Since then, they’ve been struggling to re-establish the supply which has greatly impacted the help given to the families in need. There’s been a shortage in food donations and they’ve been unable to collect bigger donations in the last few months due to lack of storage. The new storage was just completed so they are ready to receive donations again.
During the holiday season the Providence Food Pantry collects toy donations so the people who come in can have the opportunity to provide presents for their kids, grandkids and others. They give the toys away during a big Christmas breakfast. I used part of my donation to purchase family board games to give away at that breakfast. We love playing board games at home so I want to give those families in need a chance to spend quality time with their families too. The rest of the donation will be used to purchase food that will help families this holiday season and beyond.
I’m so grateful to PML for the opportunity of spreading love to those in need this holiday season!
written by Natalia Morais
