Utica, NY — The Neighborhood Center’s Holiday Food Drive is making a positive impact on the community while providing valuable learning opportunities for children. This year, the drive aims to feed 1,000 individuals, building on last year’s success when nearly 900 people were served, thanks to the efforts of children in the Navigator Classroom of the Center’s school-age child care program.
What began last year as a heartfelt effort by the children—who pooled their own money to buy food—has grown into a well-organized campaign fueled by the support of local businesses and the community. This year, the children raised an impressive $5,000, which will be used to provide canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and other pantry staples, as well as gift cards to local grocery stores to empower families with the ability to choose their own holiday meals.
“Allowing families the dignity to choose the foods that hold the most meaning for them during the holiday season is incredibly empowering,” said Jennifer Benn, Director of Development and Public Relations at The Neighborhood Center.
The campaign has also been an educational experience for the children, teaching them life skills in marketing, planning, and communication. They developed a campaign, selected food items, and worked with C&D Advertising to create promotional materials.
“This experience has been incredible for the children,” said Benn. “Not only are they learning about the importance of giving back, but they’re also gaining skills in teamwork, strategic thinking, and community engagement. They’ve truly taken ownership of this campaign.”
The Neighborhood Center is deeply grateful for the support of the community and the businesses that have partnered with them. The drive is still ongoing, and there’s still time to contribute to this meaningful cause and ensure that no family goes without this holiday season.
The mission of The Neighborhood Center, Inc. is to enrich the lives of individuals and families through cooperative opportunities, resources and advocacy which embrace diversity, promote empowerment, and foster responsible citizenship. Through its sustained pattern of activities that benefit children, families and the community since 1905, The Neighborhood Center, Inc. continues to advance in our enduring mission of truly "human" service.
For more information about The Neighborhood Center, call (315) 272-2600, or visit www.neighborhoodctr.org
Follow us on Instagram @theneighborhoodcenter or like The Neighborhood Center on Facebook.
