An Alliance scout has served up a venture that she hopes will present breakfast for households all through the remainder of the yr.
Mikayla Robinson, daughter of Alliance Metropolis Well being Division Sanitarian William Robinson, struggled a bit to discover a venture to assist her qualify for her BSA Summer season Award, due to COVID protocols.
Limits on gathering in public additionally curtailed her efforts to finish tasks that wanted public involvement.
William Robinson stated the pair received some assist from people with ties to the Well being Division.
“She needed to work with smaller teams, exterior, and principally members of the family, to finish the method,” Robinson stated. “(Former Director of Nursing) Sharon Andreani and (public well being nurse) Emily Edwards from Alliance Well being Division introduced the concept to our consideration. Mikayla needed to do the venture proposal, funds, design, development, set up and promotion of the field for the Summer season Award Group Service venture.
“The timing was proper with unemployment being excessive, supplying meals and private care merchandise grew to become far more vital all through our neighborhood.”
The Robinsons launched a drive final week during which they hope to gather shelf-stable gadgets that may inventory a Blessing Field situated at 537 E. Market St. The field is situated simply steps from the Well being Division’s workplace.
The Blessing Field is an ongoing effort for Mikayla Robinson. She constructed the picket piece that was put in in early 2020. At the moment, early within the COVID-19 pandemic, the intention was to supply paper merchandise and nonperishable meals to these in want.
The field, painted white with black lettering, is a three-shelf construction with a door to guard items from the climate.
“The field has been used day by day and has had a variety of good publicity. I’ve met lots individuals who assist inventory the field, and it been really rewarding,” William Robinson stated. “We do have a caring neighborhood. Well being Commissioner Randy Flint and the employees have actually been supportive of the field.
“It has really been a blessing. Lots of people have used the field day by day, and a variety of neighborhood organizations and residents have helped maintain the field provided. It actually shocked me how a lot the general public and neighborhood has supported this venture.
“Our objective is to get a neighborhood origination or membership to sponsor a month every year.”
Robinson stated he received the concept for the breakfast drive whereas stocking the field someday.
“I ran up and wrote the thought down earlier than I misplaced it, after which brainstormed some concepts and put them on paper,” he stated.
Robinson stated he reached out to the Scouts in his group and received the YWCA concerned, as a result of it, too, has a field for provides. He stated it’s an excellent probability for the 2 teams to work collectively.
Urged pancake gadgets embrace pancake and waffle combine; fruit cups or canned fruit; sizzling chocolate; espresso; tea; boxed non-refrigerated fruit drinks; syrup; jelly and jams; prompt oatmeal; Cream of Wheat; and boxed cereals. Nevertheless, any gadgets will likely be accepted. The Robinsons say they hope to have the ability to inventory the field with breakfast elements all through the autumn. Organizers additionally will take financial donations.
“I’ve taken small donations from members of the family who aren’t capable of store, so we may do this for any group as nicely,” Robinson stated. “It generally helps to buy gadgets that aren’t usually donated. Canned items in summer season, and dry items are stocked within the winter so that they don’t freeze.”
The drive is concentrating on households and “people from the neighborhood who want extra meal gadgets or private care merchandise are targets, and seniors on fastened incomes,” he stated.
Want is nice within the metropolis, the place entry to meals isn’t straightforward.
“In our space, it’s meals dessert not many meals locations to buy,” Robinson stated. “The Blessing Field is accessible and open 24 hours with no questions requested. We solely ask that you simply take what you want and depart what you may. There may be all the time an ongoing want for residents that need assistance when emergencies happen.”
The Robinsons have an extended historical past in scouting.
“I’m an Eagle Scout, and am lively Within the scouting neighborhood,” William Robertson stated. “Mikayla is the primary Summit Award winner in Buckeye Council, and my son Matt is the primary Eagle and Summit Award winner in Buckeye Council. I’m at the moment a troop chief for Alliance Space Troop 177 and Enterprise Crew 177.”
