It doesn’t take a boulder to make a ripple, just a single stone.
Joe and Monica Hickel, owners of Monarch Banquets, have been hosting events for local non-profit organizations for over a decade. It was through those events they began to hear stories of children showing up to school without proper winter clothing during the coldest months. The need was incredible and it was startling just how many families are affected by poverty.
“We all have a tendency to assume that when you see a child without a coat they were stubborn and didn’t want to wear one but in many cases they don’t have the jacket to wear,” Joe said. “This is why we are starting The Warm Hands, Heads and Hearts Initiative. The Warm Hands, Heads, and Hearts Initiative is a program designed to work alongside nonprofit organizations and social workers to help find and purchase proper winter clothing for children attending school without it. This includes jackets, hats, gloves, snow pants, and boots. We are currently working alongside ICAN, Connected Community Schools, and CNY Home Health Network.”
They will only donate brand new items. Joe explains, “So many of these children have known nothing but second-hand clothing that we want them to have pride in ownership of something that is specifically theirs.”
They also have a “no names, no contact” policy. The less exposure the better for safety purposes. “We did have an emergency case this year of a 6-year-old boy without a coat and with the colder weather coming we made a special trip to Rome to make sure he was kept warm the next morning. He was so excited he had his Mom send us photos in his new winter clothing.” Winter coats are the most requested item for all ages and sizes.
Joe’s advice for people who want to make an impact in their community? “Take a first step, don’t be afraid to pursue a thought or idea. It doesn’t take a boulder to make a ripple, just a single stone. So whether you think you can or can’t, we are proof that you can.”
The Hickels have set up a GoFundMe with a goal of $5,000. If you would like to help them reach their goal, please visit https://bit.ly/3sS1Bzl
