The board of directors and many volunteers work everyday to provide valuable services for our families. Meetings, brainstorm conversations and creativity goes into developing programming that continue to meet the needs of our community—always striving to make improvements.
The Power Pack Program
The organizations signature program—how does it work? Registered families pick up packs at the Generous Hands warehouse each week during distribution hours—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to Noon. Wednesday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. During the summer, families are offered the opportunity to continue receiving Power Packs each week. The approximate cost to provide a Power Pack to one child is $20 a month.
Most common items included: jars of peanut butter (18 oz.), applesauce cups, Mac n cheese, granola bars, fruit cups, jelly, oatmeal packets, canned tuna and chicken, microwave popcorn and Individual snacks, cans of soup
Blessing Box
A Blessing Box is a “Little Free Pantry”, which provides non perishable food (like cereal, canned soup/pasta, granola bars) as well as hygiene items (including shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper) to local residents when they need them. They are unlocked and operate according to the Little Free Pantry motto “Take what you need, Give what you can.”
The first Generous Hands Blessing Box is located at our offices (606 Spruce St.) and the second at Portage Terrace (11247 Portage Rd.). A third Blessing Box is located in Climax. These are replenished several times a week by Generous Hands volunteers.
Family Fare vouchers
The program offers a monthly voucher redeemable at the Family Fare in Vicksburg. Families can use the voucher for milk, bread, eggs, fruits, vegetables, meat, and cheese. The voucher totals up to $50 or $60 per month depending on number of children in a family. This is the costliest part of the Power Pack program, but it provides a predictable source of protein for these growing children.
Farmers’ Market coupons
Throughout the summer, each family in the program receives vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and cheese at the Vicksburg Farmer's Market.
Hygiene packs
Includes toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products (for the older students). These are distributed several times during the school year to children who receive Power Packs. These items are also available for pick-up at our warehouse during distribution hours.
Period Project
Beginning in 2019, the Generous Hands Board began discussions about the cost of menstrual products. At that time, it was estimated that women/girls spent approximately $7 a month on menstrual supplies (that price has since increased, and there are reports of nationwide shortages of menstrual product since the pandemic began). Not only is this a financial issue, but it is also a gender equity issue. Some girls without proper menstrual products miss some school days each month.”GH felt that we should support girls in their educational efforts. GH currently makes both tampons and pads available to girls (and their moms) during Power Pack distribution. We also have provided menstrual supplies in the office of all Vicksburg schools so that they are available when needed.
Annual Backpack Bonanza
Each August, Generous Hands partners with South County Community Services to provide new backpacks with school supplies to each of our GH students.
School supplies needed: scissors (all sizes), crayons, color pencils, pencils, zipper pencil pouches or pencil boxes, markers for white boards, highlighters, erasers, Elmer’s liquid and sticks, Post-it notes, index cards, rulers, plastic pocket folders, spiral notebooks—wide and college ruled, 3-ring binders, large backpacks for older student, backpacks for youngers students.
Vicksburg Pathways High School
GH reaches out to the Vicksburg Pathways High School to provide Power Packs. In addition, laundromat gift cards and detergent, as well as gas cards are gifted to these students.
First Day Shoe Fund program
The First Day Shoe Fund Program provides new athletic shoes for all the elementary students in the GH program. Currently, GH supports their efforts by funding the shoes for two local elementary schools. Visit to learn more about this worthy organization firstdayshoefund.org.
Family Emergency gift cards
When GH families face unexpected problems (family illness/deaths, homelessness, job loss, etc) cards are available. Referrals to South County Community Services will also be made for additional support.
OTHER Events
GH participates in yearly Community Events like the fall Community Tailgate and the Harvest Festival.