April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the incredible impact volunteers make in our communities. It is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the power of giving back and to encourage others to join in. Here at The Community Project, we are taking this month to shine a spotlight on one of the most heartwarming ways our community comes together – by providing daily hot meals to our unhoused neighbors.
Since launching our weekend Meal Train on December 7, 2024, we have seen the amazing power of community support. We have been able to serve around 12 people each day with hot, nutritious meals – a lifeline for those who might otherwise go without. Volunteers have been the heart of this effort, preparing, packaging, and delivering these meals to our unhoused friends every Saturday & Sunday. They meet one of our Board members at noon, ready to hand out the meals with kindness and care. The gratitude we see from those receiving the meals is so moving. It is not just about the food—it is about showing our neighbors that they matter, that they are cared for.
If you are looking for a way to get involved, this is a great chance to volunteer with family, friends, or even coworkers. The Meal Train is currently open through August, and we would love for you to be a part of this community effort. Simply click the link to view the calendar and sign up to help provide a meal.
In addition to the weekend Meal Train, we also offer hot meals throughout the week. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organizations, we can keep this effort going strong. Phyllis Knueven, the owner of Parkside Market, has been a constant supporter, donating meals or offering them at a discounted rate. We also receive regular donations from Sunshine Corner Daycare and Preschool, St. John Evangelical Lutheran School, Lawrenceburg Speedway, Lawrenceburg Pizza Hut, and First Baptist Church of Bright to name a few. These donations—sometimes leftover meals—are repackaged into hot, nutritious meals for our unhoused friends.
Because of this incredible community support, we have been able to provide at least one hot meal every day to our unhoused neighbors. For many, this may be the only meal they have each day, and it is a small way we can show them they are not forgotten.
Now, you might be wondering, "How can I help?" We have several opportunities for you to get involved:
Got leftover food from an event? If you have leftover meals from a wedding, party, work luncheon, or other event, please reach out to one of our Board Members. We will arrange to accept your donation and put it to good use.
Want to volunteer? You can sign up to help prepare meals for one of the weekend days through our Meal Train.
Don’t have time to cook but still want to help? You can purchase a meal for $10 through Parkside Market via our Venmo (comment Parkside) or PayPal (choose Blessing Boxes).
The support from our community has been nothing short of incredible. Seeing so many people come together to care for those in need is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. With your continued help, we can keep making a difference, one meal at a time. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
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