Meat the Need - Full Freezers, Full Hearts

More Than a Meal: How Meat Donations Changed Lives

What happens when a community comes together with open hands and full hearts? Families thrive.

Our “Meat the Need – Full Freezers, Full Hearts” initiative recently wrapped up, and we’re thrilled to share just how much impact was made thanks to your generosity.

This project started when we heard from Connections for Families Society, our long-time partner for the annual Christmas Hampers. They told us that several mothers in their care—living with developmental delays and relying on AISH—had been diagnosed with malnutrition, resulting in dangerously low iron levels, fatigue, and overall declining health. Their doctors had a simple prescription: more meat. But for parents already choosing between essentials, the rising cost of meat made that feel impossible.

That’s when the Friends Church community stepped in.

Over the past month, donations of meat and money poured in. Some of you dropped off ground beef, chicken breasts, ham, and other high-protein selections. Others gave financial contributions that allowed our volunteers to shop for deals and stock up strategically. We also provided two chest freezers, allowing Connections for Families to store bulk meat and support these families throughout the year, not just in the moment.

Because of you, families now have access to the essential nutrition their doctors recommended.

More than just meals, you gave these parents the ability to care for their children with more energy, stability, and dignity. You helped them feel seen and supported by a broader community that cares deeply about their wellbeing.

To everyone who donated, shopped, shared the campaign, or helped organize behind the scenes: thank you for Taking Water. This was more than a fundraiser—it was a lifeline, a message of love, and a reminder that we’re in this together.

Full freezers. Full hearts. Real impact.

Let’s keep living out compassion—one generous act of Taking Water at a time.