Our Story…
In 2009, Danville Area School District (DASD) changed the structure of their elementary schools. With this change, students were now attending different elementary schools then they had in the past. In particular, Riverside Elementary student population changed drastically. They now had a student population with over 50% benefiting from the free & reduced lunch program. At this time, a teacher’s aide began noticing that students were coming to school very hungry. She researched national programs and came up with a similar program that could be used at Riverside Elementary… the beginning of “Many Hands Helping Others” (MHHO).
It didn’t take long for the program to grow and spread throughout the district. We started with approximately 30 students at one school, and within 3 years we were servicing over 200 students in DASD from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. In the beginning, we were funded solely on personal donations. As our program continued to grow, so did the expenses. We were not sure that MHHO would be able to continue. We were blessed in 2011 to receive a generous grant from Cherokee, a subsidiary of Merck & Co. With that grant, and our dedicated group of parent volunteers and community support, we were able to continue and grow.
To accomplish this mission, every Friday during the school year, our fulfillment team fills a grocery bag with kid friendly, and easy to prepare food items. A normal weekend bag includes: drink, 2 hot items (can of soup/pasta, mac & cheese packet, individual packages of rice/noodles), 2 fruit cups, 2 cereal items (cereal/cereal bars, granola bars, oatmeal) and 2 snack items (pudding, crackers, peanut butter cup, pop tart). Although we try to stick to a consistent menu, our main focus is offering items that the young children can enjoy/prepare on their own, if necessary. We also were very lucky to have partnered with the Central PA Food Bank for purchasing a majority of our food at a lower cost.
Our program continued to evolve. In January 2012, the program moved from being a school program to join forces with the Good Samaritan Mission (GSM) of Danville. This move provided us with the backing of a seasoned nonprofit organization that has allowed us to continue to concentrate on our mission while supporting and teaching us how to sustain the program.
MHHO’s sole mission originated as providing DASD students with nutritional food items to help supplement their diet over the weekend. Well-nourished kids are proven to be healthier, have less behavioral issues, and can be better learners. We want to give all our students an even playing field to grow and learn. Leveling this playing field now includes other items in addition to just weekend food bags. Starting in mid-2015, MHHO now sponsors a number of “give-away” programs that were originally established under GSM. Our program now coordinates providing students with items like, but not limited to: backpacks filled with supplies, socks & underwear, hats/gloves and boots. We also provide clothing & miscellaneous items to each of the schools to be used at the discretion of school staff. We are very pleased to say that we are attempting to meet any and all needs of any student at DASD, creating that “even playing field” to enable them to grow and learn!
In the 2015-16 school year we sent home 8923 food bags, 50 backpacks, 180 bags filled with socks & underwear, 150 pairs of hats & gloves, and over 175 pairs of winter boots! Our program is growing! We are reaching those who need us. As we continue to gain support through local grants, we are still battling increasing costs. Our not-for-profit program sustains itself mostly from personal donations. Without our community support and the volunteers, this program could not continue.
We look forward to Our Story continuing. We are sincerely grateful to anyone that has contributed in any way.
Thank you!
The MHHO Team
MHHO/Good Sam, c/o Liberty Valley School, 175 Liberty Valley Rd, Danville, PA 17821