LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When I started Small Things in 2020, my desire was to help people have a better quality of life. Coming from my experience with addiction, I understand that life is not easy, and all of us need help and belonging.
Small Things is built on helping real people with actual problems. This is not easy work. Philadelphia is the poorest big city in America, and the distance between rich and poor is not shrinking. But I believe we can see change happen in individuals’ lives as well as in the region. I see Small Things as part of the solution through meals, markets, and more.
While MEALS are at the core of our work, it is always about connection and partnership. We currently support 52 Pantry Partners who regularly ensure their neighbors have food. Most of these Partners are in the region's highest-poverty ZIP Codes.
MARKETS allow Small Things to interact directly with neighbors in key locations. This builds on the trust we’ve established with our Pantry Partners. Markets also allow us to track outcomes data and work directly with individuals seeking help. In turn, this step makes it possible to work on the third step of our plan: “More.”
Providing MORE than food recognizes that the lack of healthy, affordable, and accessible food is only one of the major obstacles in the foundational pillars of deep poverty. I know this is true, not just because the data says so, but because this is my personal experience as well.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Six months into 2024, Small Things has placed $2.84 million of donated food into high-need, low-access Philadelphia households. Total food donations YTD are $2.93 million. Total cash or operating budget donations are slightly behind plan at $282,985 vs. $350,000 projected. Our YTD expenses are $40,494 lower than planned at $461,506.
Typically, the majority of our cash income arrives in Q4, meaning cash flow is always a challenge at midyear; we welcome your help in closing some of the $67,000 mid-year gap.
Looking out a bit further, we booked a multi-year grant of $100,000 to cover expenses at the new Small Things Market at House of Hope in Hunting Park.
Small Things will continue to refine how we work to see long-lasting change happen and stability emerge in individuals and families. We don’t want to start down long-term paths with short-term funding. For this to work, we will need three years of committed funding.
To make a real difference, we will need to add new programs, processes, and people. Not unlike when we launched in a pandemic, we are at another frontier – one of lasting change and a renewed commitment to "doing small things with great love. "
As always, thank you for all your support!
MAJOR DONORS
Leo & Peggy Pierce Foundation
Kensington Community Resilience Fund
Federal Funds Awarded through the Department of Homeland Security
Rotary Club Philadelphia
Patricia Kind Family Foundation
Connelly Foundation
Rev. Vito Baldini Executive Director, Small Things
HOUSE OF HOPE PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
We are excited to announce that Small Things will be working with a long-term food distribution partner, Grace and Peace Community Fellowship, to open a Small Things Market (a free grocery store) at their House of Hope location in Hunting Park.
It was easy to say “yes” earlier this year when we were asked to expand our partnership with Grace and Peace Community Fellowship.
Small Things’ Executive Director, Vito Baldini, has worked with Grace and Peace for more than a decade to get food to hungry people.
Since 2013, Grace and Peace has joined Vito in the Easter Outreach effort to provide Easter dinners to people in low-income areas. In 2020, when Vito made the move to provide food year-round, Grace and Peace followed the charge, led by Pastor Rob Whitmire, who also serves as Executive Director of Timoteo Sports -- a youth-oriented group that uses sports to bring transformation to the youth and the city.
Now, our “meals” partner will expand to a “market” partner that can serve even more people.
With an influx of funds from the Ertz Family Foundation (former Eagles player Zach Ertz and his wife, professional soccer player Julie) and Albertson’s (Acme), the House of Hope opens this summer – and Small Things is proud to be a part of it. Small Things is preparing daily lunches for 100 youth taking part in sports camps throughout July. Then, in September, our third Small Things Market will open at the site.
2024 BY THE NUMBERS | JANUARY - JUNE
1.8M
Small Things has distributed over 1.8 millionpoundsof foodalmost 70,000pounds of food every week! 732
Small Things has provided 22,000snackkits through our Healthy Kids Snack Program which provides healthy snacks to kids in low-income areas.
22,000PACKS
4,680
The Small Things Market in Fairhill has had over 4,680visits from residents of the surrounding neighborhoodsdistributing over 218,500poundsof food to our shoppers.
Small Things organized 732foodpickups and138deliveries, increasing our deliveries by 58%.
12 PROGRAM GRADUATES
Small Things has helped12trainees complete their forklift certification through our job training program.
Small Things has prepared and served 3,205hotmeals for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity - over half of the diners also visit the Small Things Market at Emmanuel!
3,205 MEALSSERVED
On hand to celebrate the opening were former Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz and his wife, US Women’s Soccer Player, Julie (center).
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE: BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING THAT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
“I come for the food, community, and the sense of belonging among those experiencing this thing called homelessness.” -JP, who comes weekly to Emmanuel to enjoy a hot meal.
“As someone who lives in the neighborhood where the Small Things market is located, it is so rewarding to be a part of something that is making such a positive impact not only on people’s lives but the entire community... the pantry has been there for me during the most time of need. I am very proud to be part of something so great.”
- Rebecca Rodriguez, Fairhill Market shopper and volunteer
To help Small Things continue to Make Change Happen -- sign up to volunteer at the Small Things Markets, Emmanuel, or the Warehouse by visiting www.smallthingsphilly.org/volunteer.
You can also donate by using the QR code, or visiting www.smallthingsphilly.org/donate
Philadelphia, PA 19127
PO BOX 41156
Small Things, Inc
