On Friday, November 16, 2012, Rochelle Williams, Keilah Spann, and Melissa Sims filled heavy carts normally used to transport mail between offices and filled them with food.  The 30 paper bags, filled to the brim with donations, were the harvest of a successful food drive organized by the Philadelphia Northeast Regional Office’s (NERO)Diversity Change Agents (DCA).  In addition to the numerous food donations, $90 was also raised to help feed the needy this holiday season, which according to estimates should feed 50 people.

           In front of 200 Chestnut Street they were met by a van and representatives of Philadelphia’s Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission.  In operation since 1878, this organization has a long history of providing food and charity to the city of Philadelphia. “It gives me a feeling of utmost satisfaction and a feeling of pride that the employees of the National Park Service have committed ourselves to the needs of our community,” food drive organizer, NERO’s DCA Rochelle Williams said.  Her colleague and fellow DCA Keilah Spann is continuing her commitment to helping to feed the hungry; she plans to spend Thanksgiving cooking and serving dinner at an area charity. 

 Patti Dienna and Stephanie Sasso helped load the carts with food donations

This food drive was just one of many charitable projects underway in the NERO this holiday season.  Employees are also donating their time at service projects organized by the Combined Federal Campaign.  Lisa Kolakowsky-Smith and Michael Shane participated in a clean-up at the Smith Play House, a century old portion of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.Ms.  Kolakowsky-Smith has spent many fun-filled hours with her children at the park.  Multiple federal agencies lent a hand to this particular effort to aid the local community;  including the Social Security Administration, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the United States Postal Service. Shane enjoyed the experience, saying that, “I was able to play in leaves for hours and give back to my community."

 
Lisa Kolakowsky-Smith and Michael Shane showcase their contributions to the cleanup effort 

Contact Information
Name: Cyrus Forman
Phone Number: 215-597-7015
Email: cyrus_forman@nps.gov