The Brightside: Feeding the community

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Throughout the month of November, Sussex County locals have been giving back through donations to the Sussex Family YMCA.

Community vice president, LoriKay Paden said the facility has been collecting non-perishable foods for those in need.

“We did very little advertising; our members have been so generous that we’ve got two tables full,” Paden said. “Our teen leadership group is collecting food and we’re doing it just to give back to people in need, right here, locally.”

Every single item will be sent to the Community Resource Center just in time for Thanksgiving. And it’s not just the canned goods that are being donated, Paden said donors also have health in mind.

“It’s not just like the mac and cheese and all of that, it’s some healthy options, which I think speaks so loudly to our Y members, that it’s not just something that’s easy to grab, but something that’s meaningful, too,” Paden said. 

She added that the donation drive exceeded expectations and she’s already looking forward to seeing how neighbors respond to the call to action during the Christmas season.

“Our community steps up whatever the need is and I’m thankful to live in a community that’s kind, caring and giving,” Paden said. “We take care of each other and that’s what the YMCA does, we take care of the community.”