SPARK
Spirit, Philanthropy, Action, Responsibility, Kindness
Spark is a program created as a way to show our support and appreciation to the non-profits and agencies that have done so much for our communities in various ways.
This is our way of thanking them!
January
Our SPARK crew volunteered at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier for our January SPARK initiative. We helped sort and repack food and grocery items for distribution to those in need throughout the Southern Tier. We also assisted with their backpack program where we filled 1,160 bags with meals for families in our community!
February
The First Heritage SPARK crew partnered with Meals on Wheels of Chemung County Animeals. This program began when Meals on Wheels learned that some of their clients were sharing their food with their pets and not getting the much-needed nutrition themselves. First Heritage collected dog and cat food to be split up and delivered to clients and help them feed their four-legged friends!
March
For this month's SPARK initiative, we supported the Arnot Health Children's Miracle Network Hospitals by volunteering our time and delivering blankets and mobile phone charging kits. These items were delivered to the NICU, Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery, for parents and families. Thank you to the CMN for having us today!
April
As Earth Month comes to an end, we partnered with the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed Inc. for our April SPARK initiative! Today we walked the Chemung River picking up garbage to help keep the waterways in our community accessible and clean.
May
For the month of May, the First Heritage SPARK crew partnered with Corning Meals on Wheels and the Meals on Wheels of Chemung County to help deliver meals for homebound seniors. Our First Heritage team also helped by making 1,675 cards to be disbursed to our community members that receive the home delivered meals!
June
Our SPARK crew volunteered at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum to help with staining their decks as part of our June SPARK initiative. Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum is home to more than 40 different animal species and over 10 miles of hiking trails with educational programs for children and adults. Tanglewood is open to the public and free to all.
July
Our First Heritage SPARK crew stopped by CASA of the Southern Tier to spread Christmas Spirit in July. We brought dozens of items for their event in December - The Little Elf Shop, one of their main fundraisers and a cherished community event. We also donated gift cards to Tioga County CASA to be gifted to those participating in their regions program.
August
The First Heritage SPARK crew volunteered at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier for our August SPARK initiative. We helped sort, label and pack 6,600 pounds of peanut butter cookies to be distributed to those in need in the Southern Tier!
September
As part of our SPARK initiative for September, our First Heritage SPARK crew delivered kits filled with fuzzy socks, lotions, lip balms and more to local cancer centers. We delivered bags to the Falck Cancer Center in Chemung County and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Tioga County. Our hope is that these kits will help those who are going through treatment and bring them a little bit of comfort along the way.
October
For the month of October, our SPARK headed out to Wellsboro to help the Penn Office for the Aging. We assisted them with setting up tables, chairs, décor and meal prepped for a Veterans appreciation dinner. It was an honor to help arrange the dinner setup to show our gratitude for those who have served our country.
December
For our December SPARK initiative, the First Heritage SPARK crew stopped by Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler Counties to help spread some holiday cheer. Our team assisted with wrapping Christmas gifts for under privileged kids in Chemung and Schuyler county. It was a joy to give back and make this season a little brighter for those in need!