Testimonials
PCSD Superintendent Chris Byrne
“Erin’s Angels have played a critical role in providing food to over seventy children every week in the Phoenix Central School District. I have been thoroughly impressed with their efforts and commitment to our students over the past year and a half. This group of volunteers has gone above and beyond in so many ways for our students. Their work includes attending planning meetings, fundraising, collecting donations and packing weekly food bags. Their efforts are very well recognized and appreciated by myself, the Phoenix CSD Board of Education and the entire Phoenix Community.”
Nancy Eaton- United Way of Central New York
More and more families around the area are struggling to meet their basic needs. The work that Erin’s Angels is doing to support families is critical and we are so fortunate to have Sheila continuing this vital work. Her commitment continues to inspire us all.
Patrick DeWine- Executive Director of the Oswego United Way
Erin’s Angels is great program for the Phoenix community, ensuring our most vulnerable children never go hungry. Spearheaded by dynamic leader Sheila Dion, this program continues to grow and never misses a beat when it comes to filling the gaps surrounding food insecurity. Through extensive relationship building and collaboration, Erin’s Angels has created a vital safety net that feeds both the nutritional and emotional needs of the Phoenix School District youth.
5th Year Medical Student
"I think that the empathy she displayed is an example of what one should aim for in life. Her kindness and dedication will forever be something that I will think about as what true kindness really is. In the future, I will apply this to remain kind and empathetic to patients and do all that I can for those who need. She is a reminder that the answer to the thought "well what can 1 person do," is actually quite a lot."
3rd Grade Teacher
"A student of mine came to me the other day with half of her lunch saved. I asked her if she needed more time to eat. She replied that there was no food at home so she was eating half of her lunch now and the other half for dinner. I provided her with some snacks and she said she knew she was going to get food bags tomorrow in school and thanked me. This conversation made me realize how much these bags are making a difference. Thank you! "
Judy Craigmile
As a resident of Phoenix, NY, I have become more aware of the food scarcity situation for some families residing in our School District through Erin's Angels. Through their efforts I have learned how food scarcity impacts child health and scholastic achievement. This awareness has led me to provide financial support to Erin's Angels so I can contribute to ending child hunger in our School District. No child should go hungry at home, and Erin's Angels assures child-friendly, healthy foods are available on weekends for children experiencing food scarcity at home to prepare and eat.
The Shineman Foundation's generous financial support has allowed Erin's Angels to educate and inform the local community on this vital child health need and spearhead an initiative to bring a long-term sustainable resolution. I am thankful to Erin's Angels' creators, Phoenix Central School District teachers, staff and administrators, and community volunteers who offer their time, energy, talents and expertise to assure school-age children have access to nutritious food options to eat on weekends. I appreciate the level of professionalism with which Erin's Angels operates and their creativity in engaging the public with fun fundraising events. Erin's Angels can be assured of my continued financial support.
Michele Hawthorne
"Erin’s Angels is helping a community heal after a tragic loss. It is an opportunity to take the sadness and turn it into a legacy that is positive and about growing something beautiful in our community in honor of Erin"
Amy Godkin- Assistant Principal of Maroun Elementary
"Students face several obstacles at home that prevent them from thriving at school....hunger should not be one of them. Erin's Angels provides food and supplies to over 70 students in our district. Without help, these students may go hungry or without. Please consider supporting this organization so that ALL students in need can be helped."
Robin Hillpot
Erin's Angels began in the Phoenix Central School District with enormous support and has grown by leaps and bounds in our humble but generous community. We knew that this was a program that was vital to help our many students who are food challenged. No child should go hungry...ever! It has been scientifically proven that children learn better, concentrate better and sleep better when they have sufficient nutrients from proper meals everyday. Erin's Angels has a team of volunteers who meal plan, shop and organize the food that goes home weekly and they also send extra food home on holidays and long weekends. All tirelessly planned out per meal. I also have great respect for the anonymous way the food distribution is carried out so as to not embarrass any child. I especially like how the program has teamed with Target so you can shop for the needed items and they are shipped directly to the school. It makes donations quick and easy for any of our many supporters. I would highly recommend Erin's Angels as it is a highly effective and well organized program and makes a huge difference in many children's and parent's lives as it takes the burden off of them to supply the necessary food imperative for children's growth and well being.
Dean Ripley
My team and I have been involved with Erin’s Angels nearly a year now, and the impact the organization is having on our community is significant and getting more so every week it seems. The Village of Phoenix benefits from having a great community spirit and Erin’s Angels feels as if it’s becoming the cause that most publicly represents the sense of community our little village takes so much pride in sharing. Sheila and her team are truly tireless, and the school personnel that are involved feel like a part of the team in every way imaginable. I think many involved feel like Erin’s Angels is only scratching the surface of what they can do to impact food insecurity in our community. I think it’s rare that a cause can pull together so many people so quickly, and the benefits for one our truly most vulnerable populations are immeasurable.
Kathy Lambert & Vicki Hohman
We retired in 2018 from teaching at Maroun Elementary in Phoenix.
After retirement, we were looking for ways to give back and stay connected to the students in our school. We decided to volunteer for Erin’s Angels because of the positive impact we witnessed while teaching in the classroom. We are very impressed with how well the program is run. We are grateful to be involved in a program that provides food support for so many of our Phoenix children.
Kindergarten Teacher
In the almost 30 years that I have been teaching, I have known many children who were anxious and hungry when they came in for breakfast every morning and when they came in on Monday after the weekend. Erin’s Angels have made a real difference for Phoenix community children in similar circumstances.
I am happy to say that none of my students seem to need help from Erin’s Angels this year but many have in previous years. This community support is so very important and no child should ever go hungry!
Frieda Weeks
A wonderful and selfless organization that works to feed hungry children and provide much needed support to their families.
Thomas Klink
Erins angels is doing a great job and changing the life of many children. Going hungry can impact a child’s ability to learn or to have confidence. The team Sheila has assembled at Erins angels go above and beyond. They really define the word Angels.
Jody Frawley
The best part of Erins Angels is that they saw a great need in our community, and they filled it! The fact that it also honors the memory of Erin Maxwell makes it so special. Thank you for making sure no child goes hungry here. !
Lisa Woodard
We are so fortunate to have Erin’s Angels available for the students in our district. Students don’t have to worry about being hungry on weekends and breaks. Erin was a kind and loving little girl. She is undoubtedly, looking down on all the volunteers with a grateful heart. Erin’s Angels is an amazing and very much needed non profit more than worthy of donations.
Wendi Starusnak
This program is so vital for the children of our community who face hunger and poverty issues on a daily basis. This program lets them know their problems are not invisible and that they are important and cared about.
Stephen Dates- Lock 1 Distilling Company
Great People! Greater Cause!!!
Heather Moltrup
I want to take a moment to tell my experience with this wonderful organization. Having small children of my own I've sometimes found myself in difficult times, when I've needed some help, whether something as simple as toilet paper, dish or laundry soap to maybe some cleaning supplies. Then there are other times when I have some extra canned goods, houseware, clothing or whatever and will drop off things so that others can get use of. The next thing that was a HUGE help for not only my family, but a lot of families was the free lunch for everyone in school. It not only makes it easier on us as parents monetarily but also on the students to not feel different from everyone else because they feel "less than" because their lunch is free because they're "poor". Sheila Dion is one of the sweetest, grounded, humanitarians I've ever met. She has great passion, and a huge heart and love for her community. My first interaction with her was winning a beautiful quilt that was handmade and donated to her. I went to her home to claim it, and I've never lost touch since. If you don't have Erin's Angels swag, you need to get some. My first ever piece..I received 3yrs ago at the memorial day parade when Sheila was throwing swag into the crowd and she handed me a racer back tank top. The proceeds from swag..the front of the store Boutique with purses and wallets and insulated bags..goes towards the rent and bills associated with the little shop that brings so much hope to so many.
Don't forget about things like: designer bag bingo, cruise for food, and the many other events held to earn the money in order to continue "Feeding the future of CNY" If you are not already following and don't know about Erin's Angels please check them out today. Thank you Sheila for all you do.
Connie Long
Erin's Angels is a program that is near and dear to my heart for many reasons.it has served so many children who would otherwise go hungry. Sheila first told me about Erin when she was working in her schools cafeteria and noticed this child needing more food. After the tragedy of her death, Sheila wanted to do something in her honor.
I work as paraprofessional in the inner city schools of Springfield, Ma, for over 30 years. I have witnessed the improvement of how students learn when they have eaten and when they have not. I have seen children hoarding food or sharing what little they have with each other. It both warms and breaks my heart. The students can't wait to come to school for breakfast after the weekend, long weekends and school vacations are particularly difficult. These students depend on our support. Sheila also recognized this and started this non profit organization. Her, along with the many dedicated volunteers, work together to provide food for the students that need it. Her own children are learning the importance of giving by helping their mom pick up and deliver supplies. The schools and custodians are always there to lend a helping hand. Although my husband and I do not live in your town, we support our daughter and all her efforts while she and so many others, make a difference.
Our Vision
We envision better health and well being for all children now and in future generations by improving food access and connecting the community to resources in order to raise successful students.
Erin's Angels vision of envisioning better health and well being for all children.
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