(Note: The print edition listed the wrong address for the Food Bank. The correct location is 40 Coffee Goss Rd)
Written by Trisha Ries
Too often we get caught up with the hustle and bustle
of our everyday lives. As a member of this close-knit
community, and frequent reader of community websites
such as facebook.com/groups/MariettaPA, I feel we can
do so much more with little to no effort if we just take a
moment to pause and smile. With the upcoming winter
weather, I would like to take this time to list a few things
that we can do to help others within our community.
Shoveling Snow: The past few winter storms I
have often read the complaints and concerns regarding
unplowed streets, sidewalks, and our elderly neighbors.
Take initiative and create a “shovel group” in your
neighborhood, groups of youths can use this as a great
opportunity to help others as well. Even if you don’t
have the manpower to shovel more than your property,
sprinkling a little extra salt on your neighbor’s stoop,
cleaning off your neighbor’s car, or just helping them to
their car by giving them your arm speaks volumes.
Coat Drive: This far surpasses the “give a penny,
take a penny dish” but I have to say that it is by far my
favorite thing to see. How many of us have coats, scarves,
or beanie hats that no longer fit, or just aren’t your style
anymore? I have seen groups hang scarves and other
winter needs in trees or on fences with a simple note of
“help yourself.” Have more that you would like to donate?
The Community Bible Church just celebrated their Grand
Reopening of their Community Care Center Clothing
Bank at 45 West Market Street. Open every 2nd and 4th
Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon,
the clothing bank has second-hand gently used clothing
for infants through adults.
Food Banks: East Donegal/Conoy Area Christian
Food Bank is located at 40 Coffee Goss Rd. and
provides food to residents of East Donegal and Conoy
Townships. The food bank will provide a three day
supply of food once a month, and will also provide
holiday baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
East Donegal/Conoy Area Christian Food Bank is open on
Wednesdays from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. If you would like to
make a food donation, please call (717) 426-2360.
Keep the Strays Safe: Colder weather also
presents hazards to our four-legged friends. Whether
stray or brief run away, be mindful of checking your
wheel wells or do a quick pop of your trunk to prevent
an unnecessary casualty. You can also create a winter cat
shelter fairly easily with just a few cheap materials. Visit
alleycat.org/ShelterGallery for shelter ideas.
Be a Better Person: While not meant to be
intrusive, the easiest way to help others is to start with
ourselves. Holding a door, smiling at a stranger, or simply
extending a kind word can set a barrage of positive vibes
into motion. At the end of the day, it is 100% worth it.
“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let every new year find you a better man.”
-Benjamin Franklin