Big Hearts Happy Bellies is more than your typical food drive. Instead of asking for one-time food contributions, Big Hearts Happy Bellies is looking for neighbors to become long time food donors. Let me explain how this got started.
I love helping others and knowing that someone's day is made a little brighter when something unexpected and kind happens to them. While living in Alpharetta, GA I was introduced to "Food For Thought". This local charity is a home pick up food drive that supports the local community within Forsyth County, GA. When I learned about what they did and how simple it was to participate, I signed up immediately to become a donor.
"Food For Thought" was started by the Nunez family after they were inspired by "A Simple Gesture" in Paradise, CA. "A Simple Gesture" was born as a result of the "Ashland Food Project" in Ashland, Oregon. I absolutely loved the fact that not only did "Food For Thought" support local Forsyth County charities but it was an on-going opportunity to donate and its' simplicity got me hooked.
Upon moving to Beaver, PA in 2014 I knew I wanted to continue the home pick up food drive movement. As unfortunate as it is, there are members in every community that struggle to put food on their tables. I saw Big Hearts Happy Bellies as a perfect opportunity to not only begin the food drive here, but to give back and support the community where I grew up.
From 2015 - 2023 Big Hearts Happy Bellies donations were picked up at the donors homes and/or we're shipped directly to my house for delivery to the Women's Center. This system worked well for 9 years. In 2024 we changed our collection process to be online only. Donors now receive a list of goods as well as links to registries from which the donations can be purchased. Donors also have the ability to purchase from their favorite vendor that will deliver to the Women's Center of Beaver County.
I am proud and happy to be in a community that has such a big heart to help others. This program wouldn't be where it is without the generosity of our donors. I hope to continue this programs for years to come and I encourage one and all to sign up to be a part of this program.