The world is a better place when we all work together to support each other. That's the idea behind an initiative organized by businesses in Mount Joy.

Give & Grow Mount Joy brings together small businesses in the town that are collecting items to donate to local organizations, choosing a different nonprofit to support each month.

It's spearheaded by Lisa Wilbert, owner of Ladybug Suds N' Scrubs; Collette Wagman, owner of Moon Raven Alley; Alecia Cobb & Sharon Granger-Kreiser, owners of Our Crafty Ways; and Jen Angeles, owner of 2FAB Weight Loss and Fitness Support.

"The concept for this collaboration came from our mutual recognition of the importance of giving back and engaging with our community," explained Angeles. "While Mount Joy is a fantastic town, there are areas where support is needed. We decided that focusing on a different cause or topic each month would be a great way to address local needs, increase community involvement and raise awareness. This approach will also help strengthen our sense of community, as it fosters support, connection and belonging among residents."

Choosing organizations to support has been an easy process so far, she shared, because the needs are great in the community.

"Recently the food bank posted on social media that they were in need of nonperishable food items, so we chose to support the food bank in August," she explained. "In September, we are supporting Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA), a nonprofit organization located on Main Street."

Items needed for DSAA include shampoo, bar soap, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant and socks. Donations will be used to stock personal care kits the organization provides to recovery houses throughout Lancaster County.

September is Suicide Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, Angeles said, noting that this is the theme of September's Fourth Friday in Mount Joy, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 27. Building Bridges for Brianna, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention, will have a booth set up at Moon Raven Alley. For October's Fourth Friday event, the PA Breast Cancer Coalition will be featured.

"We also are reaching out to the school district, local churches, community members and other local nonprofits to help identify areas of need," Angeles said.

It's easy for community members to participate in Mount Joy Give & Grow, she said, noting that the group will post each month's organization's needs on its Facebook page, "Give & Grow Mount Joy," and people may drop off items at any of the participating businesses. While the organization to support will change monthly, the businesses will be ongoing drop-off locations for the Mount Joy Food Bank.

"Donating what you can, whenever you can, is always appreciated. This includes not just physical or monetary contributions, but also your time, spreading the word and simply showing kindness," Angeles commented. "These efforts all contribute to building a stronger community."

The goal of Give & Grow Mount Joy is to give back and strengthen the community in a meaningful way, she said.

"This is important because life can be challenging, with many ups and downs both personally and professionally," she remarked. "A little grace and empathy can make a big difference. Offering various ways to contribute as different topics arise enables many small actions to come together and create significant impact."

Angeles said the group hopes Give & Grow Mount Joy will continue indefinitely. "If you have a suggestion for a monthly focus, please share it with us," she stated. "We'll discuss it and explore how we can potentially support and implement your idea. If you are a local business and want to be added to the monthly email that will include the upcoming month's topic, please email GiveandGrowMountJoy@gmail.com."