One of the important and often overlooked groups in making distributions happen are the people coming through the line at our tailgates and other mobile distributions. Our Mobile Distributions offer enough food for three families to each car because every neighbor passing through those lines knows someone else with a need. By providing enough food for more than just one family at these events, we can turn every participant into a volunteer, taking food to someone they know.
Our neighbors attending these distributions become a vital link in serving our entire community. They are the ones who go the last mile once we bring food to the area. At these events, we are the guests, and they are the hosts.
We wanted to celebrate this kind of impactful participation for our 40th anniversary, so we contacted our community partners and asked for gifts and resources to provide at our Mobile Distributions. We called it the Mobile Resource Fair. Our friends and supporters at Anthem provided reusable grocery bags, which were then stuffed with resources specific to each community we serve from those community partners. We provide information about other food options at Tailgate Distributions, but our partners can provide more information about resources that help Tailgate attendees move from surviving to thriving. We were delighted by the response – we received over 100 different flyers, booklets, pens, goodies, snacks, and more to include in the bags.
Contributing Organizations: ASPIN, Anthem, Chances And Services for Youth, Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Heart of Indiana United Way, Henry County Foster Closet, Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure, Invitation Health and Wellness Program, IU Health, Jane Pauley Community Health Center, Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau, LifeStream Services, Living Well in Wabash County, Marion Housing Authority, Meridian Health Services, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, Minority Health Coalition of Madison County, Open Door Health Services, Purdue Extension Health & Human Sciences, Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program, Soup Kitchen of Muncie, Strengthening Indiana Families Family Resource Center, Taylor University, The Youth Service Bureau of Jay County, Inc., THRIVE Credit Union, and Terrence Smith Distributing.
When charitable events happen in the heart of a community, it brings neighbors together to create lasting, meaningful connections. The community is uplifted every time, and we’re beyond happy that Second Harvest can supply such wonderful, personable events. And this initiative is about to grow in an exciting new way! Stay tuned for a big development this fall!
