Children's Groups Who Made a Difference for May Meal Program

Thanks to the generosity of the two groups listed below, we will have sufficient full-day meal packets through this month for the caregiver program in the UVA Medical Center. Summer months are the most challenging since most school and church classes, as well as scouts and clubs, will be on extended break. Therefore, those groups from last year who still have an opportunity to consider an assembly session for producing full-day packets in the next few months will certainly be welcomed, plus any NEW volunteers. You will understand the merit of this "lesson in giving" by reading of the experiences below. Remember - the guide for how to make an IHS full-day zip lock meal packet is located at http://www.interfaithhumanitariansanctum.org/foodlist.php. Brownie Troop 674's First Large Service Project a Huge Success! The fourteen Brownies of Girl Scout Troop 674 performed a great service for IHS at their meeting on Friday, April 26, 2012.  The troop, which meets twice a month at Brownsville Elementary School in Crozet, VA, are a young troop and this was their first large service project. After saying "The Pledge of Allegiance" and "The Girl Scout Promise", the girls previewed their afternoon's project so that everyone would know what to do. The troop divided into two groups. One group made beautiful greeting cards that they colored, cut out and applied stickers and messages to, while the girls in the other group each filled three meal packets from the supplies that were laid out on tables in the classroom where the troop meets. Then the girls switched jobs and the task was completed quickly. Troop leader Amy Life helped the girls organize donating some of the food and supplies for 48 meal packets, but we should note that some of the troop's hard-earned cookie money went toward purchasing many of the items they put in the packets. Thanks very much to Ms. Life, the college student assistants, and the Brownies for their good spirited and generous donation. Children's Garden Preschool in Earlysville, VA  helps again! Maria Brown writes us about her project and the impact it has on the young children in her school: "The children who worked on this project are from 2-5 years old, and there were a total of 15 children who participated in the project.  Each one put together a packet, and we all worked together to make the 'cards' that are in the meal packets.  Our discussions about the project were priceless. The children talked about helping people who were sad because someone they loved was sick, and how they needed to eat.  They were happy that we could do something that might help to make them happy, and not so hungry!  Several of the children commented that the meals looked really good to eat, and they hoped that the people we were giving to liked them! I also had several positive comments from the parents of the children.  They were happy to contribute, and thought that it was important for their children to learn the value of helping others.  It has been a very positive experience for us all!  Thank you for all you do to help these people who are experiencing such a difficult time in their lives.  We will definitely do this project again next year.   Sincerely ... Maria" FINAL REMINDER:  The IHS Meal Packet Program allows every family, business, club, church, school, and scouting group to select a month or two each year for purchase of food items and organize assembly sessions for a truly worthwhile giving opportunity. The productivity of each group depends solely upon your abilities, just as the two groups featured above.  Some families have made a couple of meal packets each shopping trip, and then at the end of a period called or emailed IHS to arrange a time for meeting and accepting their production. It's that simple! Unless specifically indicated, money donations are directed to the general fund to cover lodging accommodations, co-pay and after hours prescriptions. The "Baby Fund" account (for infant car seats, clothing and breast pump rentals) and "Food Fund" can be designated  by a donor when a donation is sent by check or PayPal.  Contributions by U.S. Postal System are sent to:  IHS P.O. Box 163 Palmyra, Virginia 22963  IHS is once again a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) for 2012, beginning in October each year specifically for Virginia State employees to contribute. IHS has CVC code 3648. Thanks for your on-going consideration ... T. Wade Clegg III