Staff and community come together to support families in need

Hattie Larlham's Dahlberg Gibson Learning Center, located in Columbus, provides meaningful support to students and their families.

As an early intervention preschool, Dahlberg Gibson provides services to children ranging in age from 18 months to five and six years old, focusing on a holistic, creative approach to learning and development. Many of the families served through the program are impacted by food insecurity and financial hardship. To help support their needs and create the best possible circumstances for students to thrive, Dahlberg staff, led by Director Emily McMillion, coordinate donation drives for families.

"Today was the first food drive of the school year," shared Ms. McMillion. "We are planning to help 26 families today by giving away food from Mid-Ohio Food Collective and household supplies donated by a variety of local individuals."

The donations from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective included red skin potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, mangos, a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, spaghetti, and heat-and-serve mashed potatoes. Household supplies are items that are not available for purchase with EBT cards. Today, those giveaway bags included: toilet tissue, paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Each car was also given hand sanitizer wipes, sidewalk chalk with an activity handout created by Dahlberg staff, and a bouquet of flowers from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

"Each car drove under the canopy and was loaded with goodies by Dahlberg staff," Ms. McMillion continued. "Our bright yellow shirts from Direct Support Professional Recognition Week brought some sunshine today to our families. We are so excited to be able to continue this Dahlberg tradition!"

Going above and beyond to anticipate and meet the needs of the families we serve is always a top priority at all Hattie Larlham programs. For information about supporting the food drives at Dahlberg Gibson, or other ways to get involved, please contact Lauri Molnar, Volunteer Coordinator and Community Liaison: 330-840-6844.