For the past 13 years, the United Church of Gainesville has provided a backpack full of food every weekend of the academic year for hundreds of children in need. This is an incredible accomplishment. But, what is also incredible is how each person along the way has been impacted by this work. We have a dedicated group of volunteers, some of whom even rearrange vacation schedules so they don’t miss their time of service to pack the food. We have school teachers and administrators who once grudgingly shared their work space with our shelves of cereal, ravioli, and raisins, but now greet us with warm hugs and smiles every time they see us. And the children jump with delight or gawk with wonder when they see the hundreds of bags lined up for retrieval at the end of the day, knowing there will be good food to eat for the weekend. Our work has been empowering and impactful for everyone involved, and this is all thanks to the determination, initiative, passion, and drive of Reisa George.
Reisa has been our most passionate advocate for the needs of children in our community for as long as she has been in Gainesville. For 13 years prior she created and co-facilitated our after-school program run here at the church, called The 5th Avenue Program. When that program faded, she set her sights on addressing the food insecurity issue faced by so many children in our community. She had heard about Food 4 Kids programs around the country, but in typical Reisa fashion, figured we could do a better job if we just did it ourselves. And the results have been nothing short of miraculous.
It is difficult to calculate the number of children who have been impacted by the work and wisdom of Reisa George. And anyone who has volunteered with Reisa also knows the power of her work. We are so lucky to have her.
After 13 years of inspiring service, Reisa has decided that it is time to pass the leadership of Food 4 Kids along to her trusted and well-trained troupe of volunteers. And Reisa’s hand-picked successor, Jess Archer, will lead our program. And though she might not be at the helm next year, she will always be available to inspire and assist. But today, and for now, let us pause and give thanks for Reisa George and the incredible ways she has impacted our community and the incredible program that she created.
Thank you, Reisa!
(We will recognize Reisa in the worship service on June 19, with a light reception to follow. Please join us as we share our gratitude and pride for her work on behalf of the United Church of Gainesville!)