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Warriors Inc. takes action for needy
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
In the three years Warriors Inc. has been having harvest food drives, they’ve gone from helping four families to helping 29.
“Oh, in three years, it has grown,” said Wendy Robinson, community ministry liaison. “And I’m excited. We’re all excited about it because it’s about giving back and showing the community [we’re here].”
Warriors Inc., located on Market Street, is a community-building organization that offers programs for youths and adults. Offerings include bike club, gardening club, financial literacy and computer classes, volunteering opportunities for youths and adults, and more.
The food drive began with a small collection at the pre-school run by Warriors. The organization purchased turkeys to give with the canned goods. That year, they helped four families. The following year, with the help of some community organizations, they doubled the number of food baskets they gave out. More community organizations came on board this year.
Family members who picked up the food Friday found tables full of turkeys and clothes. Boxes packed with canned goods, cereal, rice, pasta and more filled a section of the room.
“What we’re providing is food, clothing and giving them an opportunity to get information about a faith-based organization that serves youth as well as adults,” Robinson said.
Each family received enough food for Thanksgiving dinner, including a turkey, and some other items to help them through the rest of them month. They were able to choose clothes, blankets and shoes, as well.
Sabrina Douglass of Youngstown brought two of her four children to pick up their food. Her son, Ray III, 2, was thrilled with his SpongeBob Squarepants blanket. He held it close and was ready to leave. His sister, Rae, 5, was equally excited about her blanket with a dog picture. She proudly showed it off.
Douglass was happy to receive the food, though she said it was unexpected. Like many, she was referred by another agency.
Recipients can be recommended by an agency such as Catholic Charities or Protestant Family Services, or can apply to receive a basket, Robinson said.
“It’s very nice that they do this for the community,” Douglass said. “Sometimes it is hard for us families to actually have a nice Thanksgiving, or Christmas for that matter, without these organizations. I’m very blessed. My kids are, too.”
Douglass volunteers for various organizations, such as St. Elizabeth Health Center and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
“It’s really helpful to me, and it shows my kids values,” she said.
She hopes that people will continue to help and give back as much as they can.
“God blesses you in ways you can never imagine,” Douglass said. “And I didn’t imagine this, so I’m kind of overwhelmed right now.”