Delaware Valley Action! (DVA!) is making significant strides in fortifying the Pike County Community with essential resources through its impactful initiatives at the DVA! Community Engagement Center. In just over two months, the newly launched Free Store has become a beacon of hope for families in need, distributing a wide array of early parenting supplies and household essentials.
Recognizing the pressing need within our community for these often-costly supplies, DVA! Board Member Gretchen Pollack remarked, “It’s evident that many members of our community are facing challenges in accessing essential items.”
Since its inception in mid-January, the Free Store has provided invaluable assistance to individuals and families, catering to the needs of both very young families and elderly neighbors, many of whom are caregivers for their grandchildren. One visitor was elated this last week, noting “This is great it will hold our family over until my husband’s next paycheck.” Among the items distributed by the Free Store are: hygiene essentials, including menstrual products, diapers (both adult and infant), diaper wipes, diaper cream, and baby powder, with an estimated value of approximately $675 based on average market prices; household cleaning supplies such as paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo, sponges, and hand sanitizer, serving as a lifeline for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, totaling an estimated value of $350; and additional assistance by providing complementary items like toothbrushes, mouthwash, baby socks, blankets made by high school students, and mini first aid kits, further supporting the holistic needs of community members, with an estimated value of $225.
All of these items have been donated by community members. Highlighting the vital role of donors in sustaining these initiatives, DVA! emphasizes the urgent need for donations, particularly diapers, which remain a critical necessity for many families. Monetary contributions are also encouraged to ensure the continuity and expansion of support programs. For information on how to contribute, visit: tinyurl.com/2y3fjxh5.
The Community Engagement Center is located at 315 Broad Street in downtown Milford and is opened by appointment, and during designated drop-in days and hours: Monday from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m., Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beyond the Free Store, the DVA! Community Engagement Center fosters a vibrant community hub, offering and encouraging participants to host a variety of activities and clubs such as book clubs, seed exchanges, and drop-in puzzle enthusiasts. Additionally, the center welcomes organizations seeking event spaces to reach out for collaborative opportunities or to rent the space for their needs.
For more information on DVA! and its Community Engagement Center, please contact delawarevalleyaction@gmail.com.
Delaware Valley Action!
Milford