Step Into a New Season
Now that it’s September you can feel Summer slipping away. Families in Shady Pines Story Town are finding a new rhythm and maybe a new focus. Around here we’re always looking for a way to give to those in need. Looks like we found one.
Meanwhile, the kids are back in school while their parents are back to work and busy at home.
Halloween candy and costumes are already on display in stores. There’s no question about it. We’re heading into Fall.
It’s the harvest season. Our Director of The Shady Pines Community Center has an idea she hopes will yield bountiful results.
Donation Plan Gets Underway
Rita Malena grew up on a farm. Her family has been in the business of growing food for generations.
She knows first hand there are folks who live in and around town who struggle to afford the food necessary to feed their families. Our local food bank is asking for help from the community. We’re answering the call.
Since coming to the Community Center Rita has started many wonderful projects. This month Rita has the Center launching a way for people to donate canned foods and other items. It’s the:
Fabulous Fall Food Drive 2024
If you look to the top left of the map of Shady Pines you can see the Elementary School is right next door to the Community Center.
So it won’t be just adults getting involved in this effort, the children will be too!
Scoop, The Cub Reporter for The Shady Pines Gazette runs over to Rita’s office to get details.
“Oh good, Scoop. You’re here,” says Rita as she sees the teenage reporter rushing in.
“This sound like a really good idea Ms. Mallena,” says Scoop as he sets up his camera. “Do you want to sit at you desk for the interview?”
Rita shugs her shoulders. “I guess so.”
“Let me just clip this microphone to the lapel on your jacket,” says Scoop. “Alrighty then. Here we go. What do we need to know?”
Get Ready For Kick Off
“Well,” say Rita. “The Food Drive kicks off this weekend at the gazebo in Stonewall Park at 10am with live music and all sorts of treats from Maggie’s Diner.”
She continues. “Volunteers will be on hand with information about our local food bank. There will be large boxes to accept what people bring.”
“And what kinds of foods should people donate?” asks Scoop.
“Very good question Scoop,” says Rita. She reaches into her desk drawyer and pulls out a piece of paper.
“Here’s a list of the top 20 items. Mostly canned or boxed foods and staples are requested. Oh, and they can write a check if they want to give money instead of food.” (THE LIST OF FOODS TO DONATE)
Bring The Kids and The Pets
“Didn’t you tell me that kids can get involved?” asks Scoop.
“Yes. In fact Ray Robinson is our youth Ambassador for the Food Drive,” says Rita. “He’ll be there with his favorite companions Boomer and Halley. Children from the elementary school will help collect the donated items.”
“Anything else?” asks Scoop.
Rita thinks for a moment. “Only that the food drive will go on ’til the end of the month. After this weekend, donation boxes will be moved here to the Center.”
Scoop finishes writing in his reporter’s notebook. “I think I’ve got everything. I’ll include the list of foods in the article. It’ll be out in tomorrow’s Gazette.“
One More Thing
The timing of this food drive is important. September is the month of The Harvest Moon.
This year it will be visible around the 18th. 
The Harvest Moon is known to farmers because it’s unusually bright and allows them to harvest their crops late into the night.
Let’s hope, through our efforts, we are able to harvest a whole bunch of kindness this month in the small Southern town of Shady Pines!
I want to live in Shady Pines. These stories are inspiring
Sharing what we have to those in need……a message to all of us and showing our children we never ever know when ANY of us need help. Kindness and Caring that what builds a happy life for all.
Thank you Jane for the lovely comment!
I really appreciate the positive messaging and gentle reminder to help others
It is heartwarming to see people come together and support those who are in need. Every little bit helps.
Very nice sentiment Tammy. Thank you!
This kindness and caring campaign is working. It’s a good reminder to look for ways to give back
The year is flying by. Hard to believe we’re talking about Fall. Good post
September always feels like a restart time to me, so good to think about charities as we get back into our schedules. Thanks.
What a nice comment. Thank you Sandi
I love the “harvesting Kindness” connection. I’m also glad it includes the children at school. It reminds us everyone can help.
So gald that this post resonated with you Sharon. Thank you!
Harvesting kindness. Great tie in to September and the Harvest Moon
These Shady Pines stories really highlight important lessons for our children to know. Heck it’s important for us adults too!
Another kindness message from Shady Pines! Donating food or money that is needed by less fortunate families in our community is very rewarding for the soul. I love how these articles teach children how important it is to help those in need.
Thank you Barbara. It is important. I’m glad you pointed tt out!
I had a tough day. Seeing this positive message is so refreshing.
I always feel better after reading these posts. Thank you for this one
A good reminder for each of us to contribute to food banks in our local area not only in September but each month throughout the year
Thank you for that Joanne