Justice for Nancy: The End of the 2016 Food Drive
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I’m sitting here now looking back over the last month and everything we’ve worked on with the food drive. I’m in awe that it grew to be as big as it did. I’ve said over and over, I never imagined it would be anything other than me hounding some family and friends for a few donations to give in Grandma’s name to Community Harvest. Never did I ever think that the reach of this drive would spill over county lines, state lines, and into different countries….and be covered in the local news media.
I’ve learned so much in the past six weeks. So much about people. So much about life’s situational imbalances. So much about our area’s need, and a multitude of charities that need assistance. So much about real and fake. So much more about exactly what Grandma was all about…. Giving. I’ve been shown true colors, the best and worst, and have learned and solidified in myself what I will and will no longer accept. That in itself, I feel, is something Grandma is smiling about….as it was something she was often at odds with herself over- just how one should treat people who treat you badly, or refuse to do what’s right. But regardless of all of that…. we pushed on.
I’m so proud of my kids, myself, and those who took the time to be truly involved with this drive. I’m grateful to those in our community who reached out to host our bins, post and share on social media, bring in donations, and really help leave a permanent mark on Fort Wayne, Indiana with Nancy Beverly’s name all over it. Justice for Nancy has taken huge steps in 2016 to step into the charitable role I’m steering it to go, hoping that every year’s giving actions will be bigger and better than the last.
We’re already looking ahead to 2017, and figuring out just how we’ll give back to our community then. Have an idea? Share it with us via this blog, our Facebook page, or email links. Hopefully we’ll gain a few new group members, and the news about my amazing Grandma will spread even farther! While her life ended in devastating tragedy, her memory will be laced with light, love, and giving. We’ll continue to seek and stand for her justice in the face of anything.
Justice for Nancy Birthday Food Drive
February 1, 2016 through February 29, 2016
Community Harvest Food Bank, Fort Wayne, IN
In memory and honor of Nancy L. Beverly
Monetary Donations: $620
Pounds of Food Donated: 867lbs.
BIG THANKS to ALL of these businesses for hosting our bins! And to ALL of you who donated!
Liberty Tax
American Legion #241