Three area organizations recently received funds for needed items thanks to the Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania.

The service organization received a $2,000 grant from Community Aid and used it for residents of Hershey Mill Home, an assisted living facility in Mountville; the Columbia Food Bank; and A Woman's Concern, a pregnancy resource center in Lancaster.

Because Community Aid's mission addresses barriers to housing, food and basic needs, the grant funds needed to be earmarked for those purposes, said Lisa Palmquist, Pilot International secretary.

A Woman's Concern used the money to order six car seats from Chicco. The Pilot Club members purchased 36 $15 Community Aid gift cards to put in Easter bags for residents of Hershey Mill Home, and the group presented food and a check for $518 to the Columbia Food Bank.

"Many of our members are teachers, nurses or are in a profession involving working with children," Palmquist explained of the organization's selection of beneficiaries. All of the recipients impressed the Pilot Club members with their programs and dedication, she said, noting that the organization regularly supports the Columbia Food Bank.

Community service is at the heart of Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania. "We are part of an international organization, Pilot International, based out of Macon, Ga., and celebrating more than a century of service," Palmquist shared. "We focus on brain wellness and safety and caring for the caregiver. We do not limit ourselves, however. We are unique in that we meet the needs of our community, whatever they may be."

The organization's signature program, BrainMinders, is a free puppet show that teaches children to wear helmets, when to dial 911 and other safety lessons.

You never know when you might see members of the organization serving others in the community. "We enjoy doing pick-me-ups or acts of kindness to make the world a better place," Palmquist commented.

Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Columbia Fire Hall, 726 Manor St., Columbia. The group welcomes new members. For more information, call Palmquist at 717-951-1432 or email lpalmquist948@gmail.com. For more information on the club, visit https://pilotclubofcentralpenn.com or search for "Pilot Club of Central PA, Inc." on Facebook.