Gemma’s Angels is a proactively involved non-profit doing a whole lot of good for those who are less fortunate. It is well known in the Dauphin and Lebanon counties primarily providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the homeless, soup kitchens and food banks in need. One of the neatest activities they do is at Christmas when they conduct Christmas parties at area shelters for homeless girls and boys. And, yes,, no big surprise, Santa appears providing special gifts to those kids. If you are looking for a charity to support, please go out on the internet and look up Gemma Angels where there is lots of great information about this group.
I am the volunteer coordinator for Gemma’s Angels Hershey Park volunteers. We have amazing volunteers that “work” in the park for donations from HP. Last year they earned over $10,000. This helped to keep our little bus delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need in the Hershey, Harrisburg area.
I worked in a shelter for women and children, and I know first hand how food insecurity impacts the health of a family.
Gemma's Angels approach to feeding the hungry with fresh fruits and vegetables should be a program model that is duplicated in each of our communities.
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I have the honor of serving as an adviser to this organization. What I have experienced is an organization that is mission based with a true vision of service to the community. Mrs. Gemma Maccihioni would be pleased with this tribute to her name and heart. Gemma's Angels is proof that each of us can and do make a difference.
Gemma’s Angels goes above and beyond their mission to provide fresh produce to those in need. They have numerous programs which are geared toward encouraging children & their families to make healthier food choices. Overall, a fantastic organization with a vital mission!
I’ve seen first hand the smiles that Gemma’s Angel’s leaves on so many faces. I’ve relied on food banks and shelters throughout my life, and I’m extremely grateful for the (typically) non-perishable foods they are able to provide. Gemma’s Angel’s however gave my family, and, as I witnessed- many other families acces to FRESH foods. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and other foods you don’t typically have access to at food banks.
Working to dedicate your time and effort to see Achild Or A Family Have a smile and feel Happy to have come by them to surprised their entire family the health being into their life i Enjoy it every Time they see us enjoy our time being their.
I had a opportunity to volunteer for this non profit it was a rewarding experience in my life. You have a opportunity to give of your time or money it go’s to a go cause
Gemmas Angels help feed the poor in downtown Lebanon, Pa. The produce is a needed gift for the poor living in the area.
A wonderful locally run charity that focuses on getting HEALTHY food to people in need via their mobile produce truck. They support many local shelters and food pantries with fresh fruits and veggies.
When I retired from teaching we moved to Hershey.. we wanted to volunteer with a charity.
Gemma’s Angels provides fresh produce for low income families.
The Director has an amazing network of volunteers..which help accomplish their goal
The people in the Hershey/Harrisburg area are very fortunate to have this organization deliver the produce to various location in the area
The organization also does Santa parties for low income families...
Providing gifts for children.
It has been my pleasure to work with Gemmas Angels during the past few years, and assisting with their efforts to feed the hungry in Pa.
I got involved with Gemma's Angels after my son passed away at 19. My classmate from Milton Hershey started this charity to help those in need and maybe who could not afford a healthy meal. What he didn't know was he was helping my need to a spiritual healing. And being able to support him and the charity has been uplifting to me and my family. The work that is being done in the south central region of PA is heartwarming but it is also heartbreaking to see so much need still. I thank Gemma's Angels and all the volunteers who work tirelessly to lena a helping hand.
My church and I have been involved with Gemma's Angels for several years now. The driving force behind all the good that happens is their founder, Mike Macchioni. Watching Mike and his helpers do all they can to help others. Their efforts with the residents in our local shelters, their providing fruit, bread and vegetables to local agencies and children in our area are just a few of the things that make them such a valuable resource to support.
Christ Church UCC Annville Adult Bible Study Class look for charities and missions that exemplify the teachings of Christ. Gemma's Angels does just that! They're work with local soup kitchens and helping those in need, especially children is great. We will continue to support them in the future.
I stumbled upon Gemma’s Angels when looking for a way to serve in my new community. I had worked with a similar nonprofit in the Midwest and loved the mission. I have found ways for my kids to serve with me and am absolutely convinced that this nonprofit is a small step to ending the poverty cycle.
This is a true, grassroots, every dollar goes toward feeding healthy fresh produce foods, to those who would otherwise not receive it. The founder is deeply committed and goes the extra mileS to make sure the organization grows and maintains its mission. I am proud to have been able to support Gemma’s Angels❣️
The Organization, Gemmas Angels, is professionally managed and does a lot of good for the community. They far reach into various areas of youth involvement to homeless centers. I highly recommend donations of time and resources to this powerful organization. I have volunteered some in the past and enjoyed being involved in the organization.
Gemma’s Angels provides fresh produce to lots of folks who need them, including soup kitchens. Canned vegetables are good but fresh is best. It is such a blessing to receive fresh vegetables and healthier too.
Mike and entire crew very dedicated to helping others. Around the Holiday’s, They are all very focused on making things better for kids and parents. I have known Mike for over 30 years and he has always been so kind and caring. Gemma’s Angels is one of the best out there. Thanks for all you do!
Gemma's Angel's is a blessing for the community. They do tremendous work in making sure everyone has the ability to have fresh and healthy food.
Great people, great mission. They bring fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other things like bread to those in situations and places that have less access to fresh produce. They are great people who will give the shirt off their back to help their neighbors here in central Pennsylvania.
This organization does so much good for so many people who otherwise cannot do for themselves. I had the pleasure of volunteering at a fundraising event and everyone there was extremely welcoming and amazing to me and my family. As a previously homeless child, organizations like Gemma's Angels give hope that one day you'll be okay and you'll be able to do good for others. Thank you for providing so much to the community.
Gemma's Angels is an organization filled with great people and a great purpose. This non-profit satisfies a need that is often overlooked and forgotten-- not just providing the impoverished with food, but healthy, fresh produce, all while encouraging healthy eating to youth that would not receive that exposure otherwise. Everything done by this organization is done in the best interest of those in need, and every experience I have had with the group has been nothing short of inspiring. I love helping this group out, and if you have the chance you should too!
Gemma's Angels is quite the gem if you ask me. By providing fresh fruits and vegetables to corporations who provide service to those dealing with food insecurity in the community, enables EVERYONE the opportunity of a well balanced nutritious meal. It's great to know there is a nonprofit like Gemma's that focuses primarily on bringing nutrition from the soil not factories.
Gemma’s angels is a fabulous non profit organization, they have great people and big hearts thank you for all that you do!
Gemma's Angels is a wonderful local non-profit. I have known of them and their work for years and recently became a monthly donor with their $10 For Good campaign. I've seen Gemma's Angels volunteers and founder in action and will happily continue to donate.
While I don't have first-hand experience with Gemma's Angels, I do know about the origins , philosophy, and founder. They perform a variety of community services and are well-regarded in the vicinity. They have a good relationship with their area and their sponsors.
I've witnessed first hand the work Gemma's Angels does and the blessings it provides to the community. The volunteers at Gemma's Angels work hard to serve the underserved and under-privileged communities by providing fresh produce to these individuals and organizations. It also works to educate youngsters on the the importance of proper nutrition.
Gemma's Angels is an organization that I am proud to work with and support!
I love Gemma's Angels! They really care about the people they are helping. They go out of their way to provide healthy food to those in need and help guide folks toward better food choices.
I have volunteered multiple times with Gemmas. The work they do is beneficial to those in need and very rewarding for us volunteers. Gemmas provides a wonderful avenue to help fight local hunger. I will continue to volunteer my time because the work and cause are pure.
Great work! Great people! They have made a real difference in the lives of so many people. They are a model for all charitable organizations.
This is such a wonderful organization. Gemma's Angels is always willing to give back to our community. Always there to provide fresh products and information to our low income families.
We have had the privilege of working with Gemma's Angels for years now, and while there are many positive words that can describe our experience, certainly not the least would be "totally dependable partner!"
They ways that they have supported our mission over the years are too many to list -- yet in every instance, the heart for people and having positive impact on their lives is a constant. We are SO grateful for Gemma's Angels -- truly our community would be at a loss without them. THANKS GEMMA'S ANGELS for all of your dedication and support.
Gemma's Angels works hard to be able to provide healthy foods for families in need. They also encourage healthy choices and educate folks on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
My family and I have volunteered with Gemma's Angels over the past several years with a number of their programs and projects. The work that they do has helped so very many families eat healthier because of the fresh produce they provide. Their new All-Kids Farmer's Mobile Market is going to be a big hit with area kids in the backpack programs. We can't wait to help!
Gemmas Angels is a wonderful non-profit. I volunteered there for multiple days and couldn't have been left feeling any better. The look on the faces of the people that we delivered fresh fruits on vegetables was unforgettable. I would volunteer everyday if I had he time.
I have worked with gemmas for about a year and it has such great people working with. They have an amazing goal for the children
A fantastic service to Dauphin and Lebanon counties! Gemma's Angels provides nutritious food to those in need.
Great organization helping our local community members in need. They help provide a link between farmers and gardeners with their excess or low priced yields to the kids and their families who can't afford them.
As a volunteer for this Business, I have had my expectations of customer service far surpassed and have genuinely been impressed with the overall function, operation, mission etc. of the business. I have been with Gemma's Angels during drop offs to homeless shelters and it melted my heart to see the less fortunate show so much gratitude to us and be sincerely thankful to our service to them.
Gemma's Angels is a wonderful non-profit that truly helps those in need in our area. The fresh fruits and veggies distributed helps feed the community nutritious goodies and educates along the way about healthy eating as well!
I am proud to have volunteered with them starting this year.
WE MADE SANTA CRY…and didn’t feel bad about it
The year was 1995 and I’d just finished a children’s event with surplus food. A friend told me of a newly-opened and struggling homeless shelter that could use the leftovers. I immediately fell in love with their mission. I asked about their needs and found that, due to a lack of cribs, babies and toddlers were literally sleeping on the floor in blankets. It was a problem waiting to be solved! I organized a community drive and got them all the cribs they needed.
I also learned they hadn’t yet scheduled a Christmas party. So, myself and a rag-tag group of friends and family organized a party for the 17 children at the shelter. The years have flown by, as this December will mark 20 years of running the party. Our one little party has grown as we arranged, last year, to have Santa bring toys to 115 boys and girls in five area shelters.
But how did we make Santa cry? Since the real Santa is not always available, we get one of his “helpers” to stand in. Four years ago we needed a volunteer, so we asked a no-nonsense, flooring and tile man--a least likely candidate--to play the role of Santa. After a bit of nudging from his wife, he agreed.
When Santa made his entrance, this sweet, little boy (in photo) ran to him and gave him a huge hug. But it wasn’t just any hug. It was a “Love Hug.” He professed his love for Santa over and again. He refused to eat, even rebuffing offers of cookies. He paid little attention to the toy from Santa. He stood by Santa’s side for the entire night.
As volunteers, we try hard not to show emotion as we go about our work. These families often come to the shelters with only the shirts on their backs. But we are only human. And yes, sometimes our hearts break. And in the case of the rough and gruff tile man? He may not admit it, but he shed a tear, maybe two.
By the way, over the years, I also noticed canned and boxed goods in the shelter pantries but next to zero fresh fruit and vegetables. I set out to change that. I founded an organization which raises funds, buys fresh produce from farmers and distributes that to shelters, food banks and soup kitchens in a two county area.
We named the organization Gemma’s Angels, in memory of my mother Gemma Rose Macchioni, a loving woman who taught me how to give.
Oh, and our volunteer Santa has been with us ever since. He wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Review from #MyGivingStory