Maris Grove Residents and Staff Donate $2,400 to Kennett Food Cupboard

GLEN MILLS, PA—In an effort to support the surrounding community, more than 150 residents and staff at Maris Grove Retirement Community rose to the occasion to combat food insecurity in Chester County by donating a combined $2,400 to the Kennett Food Cupboard.

The Maris Grove Resident Outreach Club raised and donated $1,700 to the Kennett Food Cupboard by hosting its second annual Empty Bowls event. The event, which is meant to symbolize the daily struggles of a family with food insecurities, served a basic meal of soup and bread for participants to understand the hardships of these families.

All attendees of the event were given either a clay or glass bowl made by residents and staff in the Maris Grove Arts and Crafts room. The bowls act as a reminder that there are people who struggle with food insecurities daily.

“Our community worked extremely hard to make this event successful. Our residents and staff handcrafted over 150 glass and clay bowls for the event, and we are very proud to donate $1, 700,” said Gerri Eisenstein, leader of the Resident Outreach Club.

The other $700 came from the Maris Grove staff’s holiday program. Staff members were given the option to forgo a holiday meal in exchange for a donation to the Kennett Food Cupboard. More than 50 employees made the decision to donate to the Cupboard.

“We are very proud to have so many employees choose to donate to the Food Cupboard,” said Kelley Arredondo, Maris Grove’s director of human resources. “Employees who donated really embody our culture at Maris Grove. We strive to have a positive impact on the surrounding area and support efforts to build a better community.”

Each month the Kennett Food Cupboard provides up to a seven-day supply of food to more than 1,200 individuals. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and local donations, like those made by Maris Grove residents and staff, to fund its program.

About Maris Grove: Maris Grove is one of nineteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 1,500 residents.

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