A Heartwarming Act of Kindness
Rylie and Sara's Gift
In a world where acts of kindness too often go unrecognized, we are thrilled to share with you our recent interaction with an inspiring young man and his grandmother whose generosity and compassion are making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need in our community.
Rylie Kroll of Ellsworth, aged 11, and his grandmother, Sara Hessler, recently brought a ray of hope to Healthy Acadia’s INSPIRE Recovery Center and the seasonal overnight warming center by donating twelve backpacks filled with essential items for unhoused community members.
Rylie Kroll stands in the foyer of the INSPIRE Center, with the backpacks he and his grandmother, Sara Hessler, filled with essential items and donated for community members in need.
Each waterproof backpack contained a generous and thoughtful assortment of necessities including:
Wool socks, hats, gloves, neck warmers, rain ponchos, toothbrushes & paste, Kleenex, antiseptic wound wipes, soap thins, small nail clippers, deodorant wipes, chap stick, lotion, big band aids, body, hand, and toe warmers, emergency blankets, bungee cord, duct tape, crackers and cheese, crackers and peanut butter, granola bars, water, fruit cups, fruit/vegetable squeeze packs, pens and notebook, and big Ziploc bags. Sara meticulously collected these items, while Rylie eagerly lent his helping hand to fill the bags and deliver them to the Center.
“I want to do this project again next year to try to help people get through the winter”
"It was such a joy to connect with Rylie and Sara,” said INSPIRE Center Coordinator Beth Alteri. “The contribution to our guests at the center was so thoughtful. Everyone was so excited about the items in the bags. It is so important for the people we serve to know they are cared about by their community."
Rylie, with a maturity beyond his years, shared his motivation behind the initiative, saying, "I want to say that I am honestly glad to help people who are in need so they don't suffer from the horrible, rainy, snowy, cold winter and can have a happy summer. I want to do this project again next year to try to help people get through the winter."
Thank you so much for your generosity and compassion, Rylie and Sara, you are truly inspiring to all!
Whether it's through donating resources, volunteering time, sharing information, making connections, or simply offering a kind word, we can all do our part to support and uplift those in need within our communities. It’s these small acts of kindness that truly make the world a better place for everyone.
You Too Can Make a Difference!
Did you know we have a Wishlist? Wishlist items make a difference and many of our program areas can greatly benefit from donations of specific items to continue and improve available services. All are accepted in new or like-new condition - pre-loved is fine! - unless specifically indicated. Click here to view our wishlist.
We currently have an urgent need for new and lightly used men's clothing - sizes S, M, L, and XL, as well as new men's and women's socks, undergarments, shoes, and boots in Washington County.
Clothing donations can be dropped off at our Machias office, located at 121 Court Street, or the Downeast Recovery Support Center in Machias, located at 11 Free Street.
Are you in Hancock County and want to contribute? We are in need of hand warmers, tents, sleeping bags, socks, underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal hygiene items. These donations can be dropped off at our INSPIRE Center located at 24 Church Street in Ellsworth.
Do you have an in-kind contribution that you feel would be of use and it is not listed on the wishlist? We want to hear from you. Contact us at development@healthyacadia.org.
For more ways you can support Healthy Acadia’s efforts to support and improve health and health outcomes across our region, click here.
Thank you so much for your support!