Paying if forward.....

With the fast paced lives we all lead its hard to image taking just 30 seconds to click on a "donate" link or "like" a LinkedIn post (such as this one) can make a difference for those less fortunate.

Everyone at some point in their lives could use a little help, some encouraging words from a stranger, spare change in a donation box and YES a food donation to help feed a family when times are tough. My sister and I have started a non-profit here in Nashua, NH as we saw a need and a targeted audience that has no boundaries.

For the last 5 years we have heard about a family or a school project that needed a helping hand. As we did our best to assist and raise awareness we also reached out to other local organizations. Our first vision was to build a collaborative membership of established non-profits to team up and do what each does best. This would allow a broader scope of support and community involvement to solve the challenges we encountered. We found over time that our vision was a hard sell. All non-profits have their space and focus and to branch out was a daunting prospect. Thus, Gate City Community Coalition was born gcc-strong.org , working with women in the area that aligned with our vision we started the non-profit in 2017.

We leverage what we have accomplished to date, helping establish and support food pantries in local elementary and middle schools. Other efforts ranging from supporting S.T.E.M nights at elementary schools, opening food pantries in housing projects for veterans, elderly and families that otherwise can not access the public pantries in the area. We coordinate food drives, partner with individuals and companies to solve the challenges we hear about or are asked to assist. Anything from finding diapers for a newborn, a walker for an elderly man, delivering to individuals unable to leave their residence due to illness or lack of transportation to food boxes for families during school breaks. We have delivered annual Thanksgiving boxes to over 300 families in the Nashua Area for the past 3 years. We engage with the schools and recently engaged with the culinary program at the local high school to make homemade apple crisp to include in the Thanksgiving boxes.

A local farm, Sullivan Farm, here in Nashua donated apples for the project. Many may not know that Sullivan Farm is the last family owned farm in Nashua. Owned by a generous and humble family the granddaughter of the original farm owner. The farm has been here for over 75 years. If you have never visited this small farm you are missing out and I encourage you to do so.

My hope is that this short introduction to our vision and small part we play in making our community a better and more compassionate City inspires you to consider what one small act of kindness could do to change someone's life for the better. Remember "Your Change Can Make A Change" for someone less fortunate.