During times of disaster, communities frequently band together to help one another, and the COVID-19 pandemic was no exception. As businesses closed and financial instability increased, many people and families in Bucks and Montgomery counties struggled to meet their basic needs. The pandemic’s impacts caused unexpected challenges that dramatically affected daily living, from food shortages to financial instability.
Recognizing the growing need for assistance, Munz Construction, a well-known family-owned business in Holland, established Pay It Forward People. What began as a basic effort to offer food and materials has grown into a vibrant community-driven movement dedicated to assisting those in need. With its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, the program has continued to grow, strengthening its ability to connect those in crisis with neighbors eager to lend a hand.
Key Takeaways
Pay It Forward People is a community-driven movement established by Munz Construction to provide assistance and support to those in need during times of crisis.
- The program has grown from offering basic food and materials to a vibrant movement with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, connecting those in crisis with neighbors eager to lend a hand.
- Pay It Forward People undertakes various community service projects, including food aid, crayon drives for schools, baby supplies for foster parents, and emergency home repairs for people experiencing unexpected difficulties.
- The nonprofit partners with local groups to maximize its impact, engages in events to raise awareness and encourage community involvement, and provides a valuable resource center offering information on senior volunteer opportunities, mental health support, transportation services, and local food banks.
Building a stronger community
The Pay It Forward People movement personifies the true spirit of giving back to the community. During the first few days of the pandemic, volunteers worked diligently to deliver food, meals, and home supplies to struggling families. As the crisis progressed, the program evolved to include a food pantry in donated office space at Munz Construction to assist individuals in need.
During the pandemic we happened to know a lot of people in the community from doing construction
Kelsey Munz, Director of Pay It Forward and Director of community outreach for Munz Construction
Aside from food aid, Pay It Forward People has undertaken a number of community service projects. Volunteers have arranged crayon drives for schools, donated baby supplies to foster parents, and even offered emergency home repairs for people experiencing unexpected difficulties. Whether removing fallen trees, restoring damaged roofs, or supporting elderly residents with basic necessities, the program has proven a lifeline for many.
Expanding reach through collaboration
To maximize its impact, Pay It Forward People partners with community-based groups like Doylestown Neighbors United, Animal Lifeline, and the Bucks County Opportunity Council. These collaborations strengthen local support networks, expanding access to food, emergency aid, and essential resources.
Beyond partnerships, the nonprofit engages in events like Octoberfest 4 Vets and Pawzibilities Animal Rescue, raising awareness and encouraging community involvement through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. These connections remain vital in ensuring assistance reaches those who need it most.
In addition to its direct relief activities, Pay It Forward People has evolved into a valuable resource center, providing critical information on senior volunteer opportunities, mental health support, transportation services, and local food banks. By assisting individuals in accessing these services, the nonprofit actively contributes to bridging community gaps and ensuring that those in need have a place to turn.
Whether someone wants to donate their time or seek assistance, Pay It Forward People provides a trustworthy advisor, connecting those in need with those ready to help.
A future of paying it forward
Pay It Forward People’s strength comes from its devoted volunteers, board members, and supporters. Kelsey Munz leads the board, which includes Greg Millevoi, Ian Mullins, Miriam Miller, Amy Wisner, Becca Morton, and many others who volunteer their time and abilities. With more than 6,400 Facebook fans, the nonprofit continues to inspire action and give back.
Looking ahead, Pay It Forward People intends to extend its services and reach out to more people in need. As it grows, it opens up exciting possibilities for senior volunteer opportunities, allowing older persons who want to serve to donate their time, expertise, and abilities. By embracing additional volunteers, the nonprofit seeks to strengthen its foundation and broaden its reach.
Kelsey Munz stresses that community involvement is essential. “What we hope is that we can get a bigger team together so that we can help out more people,” she says. Pay It Forward People proves that small acts of kindness can create lasting change, ensuring no one in the community is left behind.
