Warm Hearts

This Fall we will once again be launching our annual Fall Food Drive. Over the next month we are highlighting some stories from members of our community who have taken it upon themselves to go above and beyond to support our Food Market.

We all go through difficult times when we need some kind of help and support from others – that’s where our Food Market comes in. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month we open our doors to the community to support those who might be experience food insecurity. 

Food Market volunteer Lisa Beam, an elementary school teacher, several years ago, noticed that there were not many extracurriculars for the primary grades at her school. Along with some colleagues, they decided to create a club that had a compassionate outlook to both make a difference in our community while establishing noble character at a young age. As a result, “WARM HEARTS” became the driving force behind our food/toy drives.

Why was it important for you to do a Food Drive and volunteer for the Food Market?

Lisa: With my involvement in the Compass Point Food Market, it became evident to take the proceeds of the “Warm Hearts” food drives and provide them to Compass Point for distribution to those most in need.

Working at the Compass Point Food Market has provided me with a tangible experience and awareness of the real needs of many in the community.  This has provided an excellent opportunity for the students to understand the needs of others and understand that what they are doing is making a difference. The students have watched the Food market video, observed photos of the stocked shelves and have been motivated to serve others.

During one of our food initiatives, we approached the leadership of the Compass Point Food Market and were advised that honey was a highly sought after item.  The students began the drive and finished with a visit from a “Beekeeper”, learning about the importance of bees for our agriculture.

This initiative became both highly educational, while also providing the Food Market clients some sought after honey.  A second drive involved the collection of cereal. The students eagerly collected boxes of cereal, and with much excitement created a domino effect with the many donated boxes!

The food drives are a wonderful learning experience for the students, while building character and helping to serve our community.