Local charity to include cereal drive
Parents honor child by helping community
LEWISTOWN -- Winter Coats from Waylon, a non profit organization "born from loss, but filled with hope and purpose" has expanded to include a cereal drive on June 7.
In September 2021, Jeff and Megan Eby tragically lost their baby boy, Waylon; in the midst of grief they found themselves seeking a way to make a lasting impact with their son's short life.
"That is when God began to place something on our hearts: a vision to give back to our community in Waylon's name," shared Megan Eby, director of Winter coats from Waylon. "Our mission is simple, but so meaningful: keep the children of Mifflin County warm all winter long."
The Ebys felt they could do more for the community in Waylon's memory.
"We expanded to doing the cereal drive as well because we felt we had the resources to make a difference, and wanted to be able to provide care to our community not only in the winter," said Megan.
For the month of May, cereal box donations can be dropped off to Lerch RV, Junction Fire Company, First National Bank in Reedsville, or at the Reedsville Creamery – the goal is to collect 1,000 boxes of cereal.
The Reedsville Creamery has generously offered to donate milk to go with the cereal that will be distributed at a community event on June 7.
The event will be held at 131 South Plaza Drive, Lewistown from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be face painting, crafts, a photo booth, and of course, the milk and cereal to take home.
The goal of the event is to provide children in the community with a fun and helpful experience. During the school year, students have school breakfasts available each morning, when summer comes and school provided breakfast is no longer an option, the cereal from the cereal drive will take its place, nourishing the children in Mifflin County.
"In our hardest moments, God showed us a way forward, and through the love of others, we've been reminded that even in grief, even in brokenness, we are not alone," shared Eby. "Our community has wrapped its arms around us, just as we hope to wrap warmth around every child we serve."
Coats or additional donations can be dropped off to Megan Eby at Lerch RV; checks can be made payable to "Winter Coats From Waylon."