NINE PRSA ECD CHAPTERS HELP COMMUNITIES WITH ‘WEEK OF CARING’
When a big donation of blueberry waffles arrived at Miami Valley Meals kitchen it became a new challenge for the team of chefs who don’t like to see food go to waste, and don’t want the underprivileged to go hungry.
Grind the waffles into cookie dough? No, the better idea was to grind and mix with chunks of white bread to create a tasty, fork-ready French toast to add to the menu of 4,000 “TV dinner” meals they produce per week to help the many in the region suffering from food insecurity.
“We take a chef’s approach to hunger and food waste,” said Communications Manager Taylor Naragon. “We have a team of chefs, and our bread and butter is take on the food prep and put meals together. We don’t serve meals directly; we help 50 partner agencies who already know those people.”
It’s appropriate that September Hunger Action Month coincided with the PRSA East Central District’s inaugural “Week of Caring” initiative Sept. 21-27. Eight volunteers from the PRSA Dayton chapter split morning and afternoon shifts Sept. 24 at Miami Valley Meals, helping chop peppers and other donated produce.
PRSA Dayton was among nine ECD chapters across four states who volunteered with local nonprofits, addressing needs from food insecurity to literacy and veteran support.
Central Michigan and Detroit sorted and distributed food with area food banks, while Dayton packed meals for families in need. In Cincinnati, chapter members boosted literacy at the Queen City Book Bank, while Central Ohio chapter supported breast cancer awareness. Northwest Ohio members raised awareness for rare diseases and hosted a crisis communication workshop, while the Northwest Pennsylvania chapter assisted veterans at a Soldiers and Sailors Home and the Thoroughbred members in Kentucky organized a youth coat drive.
“Engaging PR professionals in meaningful service amplifies the impact of our field far beyond what we do in the workplace,” said Mark D. Weinstein, PRSA ECD chair. “The Week of Caring reflects PRSA’s core values of service, advocacy, and integrity.”
“This is something we should do,” said PRSA Dayton volunteer Katie Lewallen. “We are all part of the community, and all have food needs. I enjoyed doing it and it’s a positive for the area.”
“It was a wonderful experience,” said fellow PRSA Dayton volunteer Katy Carrico. “It was great coming here and learning about Miami Valley Meals and making a contribution. Seeing the impact they have on the community and being a small part of that was really rewarding.”
“Week of Caring” was the inspiration of ECD Chair Mark Weinstein, and board is committed to making it a district tradition. “Thank you, members,” said Mark, “for engaging in this district-wide initiative through community service projects.”