We also like Yoga!

Our 3rd quarterly donation went to Root to Rise!

Round Two - The People's Pantry

This is so much fun, you guys. Even though I'm camera shy (more of smirk-er than a smile-er!), giving our checks to our charity - in person - is easily the best part of being in 100WWC. Seriously, come with me next time, it's amazing!

On March 9, I met with the wonderful Ms. Pat Donohue, CEO of The People's Pantry in Tom's River, NJ. It was cold and gross out, but inside the Pantry, it was a homey and hopeful atmosphere! Their waiting room/check in is nestled between the grocery shopping area and their neighbor, JBJ Soul Kitchen. While the two are loosely affiliated in name, the Pantry operates with it's own, unconnected budget to serve over 16,000 food insecure residents of Ocean County. I noticed a sign in the waiting room that said they've had to reduce the number of areas they serve, because there is just SO much need in this area. It's not going away any time soon, so I'm glad we were able to chip in with the power of WWC! Pat gave me "the grand tour" while people shopped with a personal shopper. It was really unique to see a whole area of coolers for fresh produce and other refrigerated goods at a food pantry; they really do a great job of providing for the community. As we talked, she let me know that they can always use in-person volunteers over 16 years old, and I hope to hook her up with some Boy Scouts working on their Eagle, because the People's Pantry has some projects in mind! I love when a plan comes together.

Thanks everyone, for doubling our 2nd donation, let's keep reaching higher and farther!

~Christine

Mary's Place by the Sea

The recipient of our inaugural donation!

Following our very first meeting on November 13, 2017 (consisting of myself, Michele, and Christine at the Howell, NJ Starbucks), we were able to fire up a quick little Facebook group and rally a total of $300 for a wonderful local organization, Mary's Place by the Sea, in Ocean Grove, NJ. Mary's Place is a beautiful victorian home just steps away from the beach in OG where women who are fighting cancer can go for some peace, care, and understanding. From their page:

Mary’s Place by the Sea is a respite home for women who are receiving treatment for cancer.  We provide services that complement their medical treatment, including oncology massages, nutrition education, individual counseling, Reiki, guided meditation, expressive writing, and yoga.  Mary’s Place by the Sea is not a medical facility with medical staff.  We offer integrative services to women with cancer and provide rest and support during this challenging time in their lives. They are empowered with knowledge that will aid them on their road to healing. Since 2009, nearly 8,000 women with cancer have become "guests" of Mary's Place by the Sea.

The gals at Mary's Place offered me the warmest of warm welcomes on a cold December day, when I stopped by to drop off our checks. Despite my miserable head cold (I didn't sneeze anywhere, and used hand sanitizer before touching anything!) I honestly felt the healing of the place at work. I met with Felicia, Michele, and Maria, who could not have been more kind, and I immediately felt like I was part of the family. They offered to give me a tour, which I declined for fear of spreading my germs around a place dedicated to restoring health and vitality to women who are already terribly ill, so they described to me their mission and all of the amazing services they offer to guests of the center. I am so proud we were able to donate to Mary's Place!