If you’re looking for a way to make a difference for those in need this summer, keep The Giving Tree in mind.
The Montgomery Township-based charity network has a new ‘Snack n’ Sip’ project active this summer to help those without homes make it through those hot summer days.
‘It’s a water bottle with a pack of crackers and a granola bar, and it’s to help the homeless out in these hot summer months. We’ve put together hundreds of them,’ said Giving Tree founder Bridget Leary.
Those ‘Snack n’ Sip’ packages are easy to make – just secure the granola bar and crackers to a water bottle by using a rubber band or ribbon. Leary said the packages fit the goal of The Giving Tree: to let families work together on creating packages while discussing how to help those in need and count their blessings.
‘We put together many assembly line-type projects, where children can put things together with their own hands, to help various segments of society in need: everything from children in the hospital, to the homeless, to pets in shelters, to seniors in nursing homes,’ she said.
In the winter, the water bottles can be replaced with socks to create a ‘Sock n’ Snack’ package, and the summer and winter versions will be delivered and distributed via area shelters, agencies and outreach programs throughout the tri-state area – including Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, where Leary and her children and friends made a delivery Wednesday afternoon.
The Giving Tree is a nonprofit dedicated to educating children, with volunteers who coordinate events that teach the merits of reaching out to those who are less fortunate in the area.
You can find more ideas for easy-to-make packages or crafts on its website, GivingTreeFamilies.org, and learn more about upcoming events like a ‘Farewell Summer’ picnic buffet on Sept. 13 at Cedarbrook Country Club in Blue Bell.
‘We are thrilled to have so many families reaching out to us during the summer months,’ said Leary. ‘With the increased participation each year, it only reconfirms that families are looking for ways to volunteer with their children. It is always a good time to teach our children that they can make a difference,’ Leary said.
For more information about The Giving Tree and its upcoming activities, call (215) 872-9328, email info@givingtreefamilies.org or visit www.GivingTreeFamilies.org.
Manna on Main Street has plenty going on this summer too – including a summer food program meant to provide free lunches to kids in need and a community food drive on Aug. 16 when neighborhoods can compete to see how much they can gather to stock Manna’s shelves. For more on Manna and its activities, visit www.MannaonMain.org, call (215) 855-5454 or follow @MannaonMain on Twitter.
Follow staff writer Dan Sokil on Twitter @DanSokil. For breaking news SMS alerts from The Reporter, text LANNEWS to 22700 from your mobile phone. *Msg & data rates may apply. For help, text HELP. To cancel, text STOP.
![By LOLITA C. BALDOR (Associated Press) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is expected to announce Friday that it will provide about $6 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine, U.S. officials said, adding that it will include much sought after munitions for Patriot air defense systems. The officials said the aid package will be funded […]](https://www.thereporteronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Russia_Ukraine_War_Military_Aid_93722.jpg?w=536 "By LOLITA C. BALDOR (Associated Press) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is expected to announce Friday that it will provide about $6 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine, U.S. officials said, adding that it will include much sought after munitions for Patriot air defense systems. The officials said the aid package will be funded […]")