MooreKids’ Ribbons of Gratitude Program raised more than $6,000 for First Baptist Church, Bethel AME and Live Civilly/Moorestown Ministerium (St Matthew Church) food pantries.
Longtime MooreKids supporter Mara Jacobs came to MooreKids with the idea to lift spirits and do something for others.
“With the COVID crisis affecting our residents in Moorestown, I looked to figure out something we could do that created unity and at the same time could help our neighbors in need,” Jacobs said. “MooreKids stepped up to implement the Ribbons of Gratitude program as a way to thank our front line heroes, display Moorestown spirit and raise money for our local food banks.”
The $10 donations came pouring in, and teen volunteers spent hours delivering ribbons around town to donors, who displayed them on their doors and properties. Moorestown Township Public School teachers donated ribbons to be hung at their schools, throughout town and to be sent to some of their students who were graduating. The Moorestown Home & School Association hung ribbons at the high school in support of the class of 2020 graduates.
The support was nothing short of incredible. Although MooreKids has historically been dedicated to providing financial support for children in financially struggling families to participate in extracurricular and enrichment activities, they pivoted to support food banks during the pandemic, when many households were experiencing financial hardship and food pantries had overwhelming need.
Connie O’Brien, food bank coordinator at the Live Civilly Moorestown Ministerium Food Pantry at St. Matthew was overwhelmed by the donation.
“We are small but mighty [and] blessed with community support,” she said. “We give whatever we have to anyone who needs it.”
To learn more about MooreKids, please visit www.moorekids.org.
To make donations to the food pantries, please contact the church for details. Items needed include canned meats, pasta and sauce, granola bars, cereal, shelf stable milk, juice, PB & J, mac n cheese, rice, dried beans, canned fruits and vegetables, spices, personal hygiene products, diapers and wipes.
