By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
As snow fell from the sky Monday morning and afternoon, the timing could not have been better for Love Inc. to wrap up its winter coat drive – which distributed more than 650 coats to people who needed them.
And as the sun blasted down on a Tuesday when the temperatures didn’t break freezing, the next step in the service agency’s season of giving began.
It began with St. Charles Girl Scout troops, fourth and sixth graders from Troops 5066 and 5983. As Love Inc. employee Leslie Caringello directed the youngsters to straighten out the lines of boxes they would be filling with all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, the young girls took off running, squealing and giggling to get the boxes in order.
Last year, Tina Drew came to Love Inc. with her family to help the organization put together the boxes – and then fill them.
“I did it with my mom and three kids last year,” Drew said. “It was fun, (but) it was a lot of work.
“I want my kids to realize that they’re fortunate.”
One of the troop leaders at St. Charles wanted that same opportunity for her troops.
“This year, she cut the ad out, showed it to me. Set the time up,” said Melissa Weis, who works with the Girl Scout troops at St. Charles. “I said run with it, and she did, and here we are.
“They love helping and they love doing for others,” Weis added. “We are very blessed, so we should bless others.”
So about 12-15 students got a chance to help put together Thanksgiving meals for what will be more than 500 families this season.
Caringello helped organize the coat drive in October, and is helping put together the Thanksgiving drive. Those who qualify based on income level are eligible to come through the food pantry to receive Thanksgiving meal fixings for their family.
That doesn’t mean it comes easily – or without a cost. The cost has been estimated at about $29 per meal. The Burlington Rotary Club will match that donation each time it is made.
In addition, other businesses donate time and money – and organizations like the Girl Scouts donate an open heart and a ready willingness to help.
“What we do is just a smidgeon of what Love Inc. does itself,” Drew said. “I wanted them to be a part of that. To give back in some small way.”
To help with the Love Inc. Thanksgiving meal program, contact the organization at (262) 763-6226.
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