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November 5, 2026

Coming Together to Make a Difference

A little kindness can go a long way, especially when a community comes together to help others. Each November, we host our annual food drive, bringing children, families, and teachers together to support those in need.

Beyond collecting essential items for local organizations, the food drive provides an opportunity to help children begin to understand the value of generosity, compassion, and caring for others.

Making a Difference in Our Communities

Every food donation has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life. Through our annual food drive, Doodle Bugs! centers partner with local organizations to provide essential items to individuals and families in their communities.

At our West Amherst center, donations are being collected for the Amherst Little Free Pantry, a community resource dedicated to addressing food insecurity by providing free access to essential food items for local residents.

“Supporting the Amherst Little Free Pantry is a great way to show our children the importance of caring for others in our community. We believe every child has a right to learn, be respected, experience, and participate, and our food drive gives us an opportunity to put those values into practice. We want children to understand that even small acts of kindness can make a difference,” shares Stephanie Freeburger, West Amherst Center Director.

By supporting organizations that serve their local communities, our centers help make a meaningful impact while showing children the importance of caring for others.

Learning the Value of Giving Back

The food drive also introduces children to the idea that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. At a young age, children begin developing empathy, learning about the needs of others, and discovering what it means to be part of a community.

Through conversations with teachers and opportunities to participate in giving activities, children can begin connecting these ideas to their own experiences.

“Through the food drive, I hope children learn that a little kindness can go a long way, no matter their age. Our teachers introduce the fundamentals of giving back every day through sharing, using kind words, and taking turns. The food drive allows us to put these lessons into practice within our community,” explains Stephanie.

These early experiences help lay the foundation for important social-emotional skills, including kindness, empathy, and consideration for others. They also show children that helping doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as sharing what we have.

The Power of Coming Together

Our annual food drive wouldn’t be possible without the participation of Doodle Bugs! families and staff. Every contribution helps support local organizations and the individuals and families they serve.

At West Amherst, each classroom will decorate its own donation box, giving teachers and children the creative freedom to make their bins unique. Families and teachers are encouraged to contribute throughout the food drive.

When children see the adults around them sharing resources and supporting others, they have an opportunity to learn from those examples. Together, we’re showing children that being part of a community means looking for ways to care for the people around us.

We’re grateful to our families, teachers, and everyone who participates in this year’s food drive. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our communities!