Happy To Help in the Community gives 180 Families Thanksgiving

For four years now the Musillo family of Howell has been giving back to their community in a huge way. Local families who would not have otherwise had a decent Thanksgiving are able to celebrate with bounty thanks to the efforts of Mindy Musillo and her family.

It started in 2018 when the family decided to hold a food drive in an effort to put together full Thanksgiving Dinners for needy families in and around Howell. Since then, word has spread and the holiday effort has more than tripled in size. “What makes Mindy’s efforts so special is that she takes the time to organize and personalize each donated basket based on the information she obtains about them” says a neighbor, “so each basket is tailored to their specific number of family members and their ages etc. it’s really very special.” For three months prior to the holiday, the Musillo house* becomes the home base for donations becoming the “ food pantry” from which the baskets will be created.
The efforts became so successful that in 2020 they decided to establish a non-profit organization to help families all year long. The group, appropriately deemed “Happy to Help in the Community” has a Facebook group with over 1300 members through which MIndy obtains requests and distributes donations of everything from clothing to food to diapers and household items.
Not only are the donations pouring in but so are the volunteers. This year three juniors from Howell HIgh School along with the administration and the softball team held a drive to contribute to the efforts of the group. The students collected dozens of boxes of food and delivered it all to the Musillo home where over 30 volunteers sorted and assembled baskets last Saturday. Francki Breedlove, Juliet Turchio and Genna Jardim spearheaded the efforts at the school. Howell High School Principal, Jeremy Braverman proudly states: “Our students and staff are always glad to work together with wonderful non-profit organizations, such as Happy to Help in the Community, assisting families in need throughout the community, especially during the holidays.”
“It is a rewarding feeling to give back, especially at this time of year, says Juliet, 16. Genna, also 16, continues: “it makes us feel good knowing we are helping someone have a warm meal on the holiday.” The girls say they are hoping to work with Mindy on future projects. “The work she does is amazing, she sets such a good example for all of us” says Francki, 17, “she truly makes Howell a better place.” I’m sure the community would agree…. especially today.

About Happy to Help in the Community:
The non-profit organization can be found on Facebook and weekly donations can be given to Mindy Musillo via donation drop off or venmo. Please visit the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022312591510862 ) or email Mindy at soko715@yahoo.com for more information.