Birch Community Services – Giving New Meaning to the Word Community!

In the early 1990s, Barry and Suzanne Birch learned from friends that bread was going to waste at some establishments in their area. Knowing that this food could feed the poor, they began picking the bread up and distributing it to those in need. Before they knew it, their house was full of bread and they were serving dozens of people. Barry and Suzanne realized that they had found their mission, and thus the idea for Birch Community Services was born.

Today, Birch Community Services operates not out of a house but out of a large warehouse overflowing with food, clothing, and household goods. It also offers classes that help people take steps toward improving their lives. And the goal of Birch Community Services is to truly operate as a community – as those in need come for help, they not only receive but also give back – by paying minimal monthly fees, writing thank-you notes, and even working shifts in the warehouse! Through its dedication to not only giving to those in need but also enabling them to help themselves and others, Birch Community Services truly gives a wonderful new meaning to the word community!

This video shows what Birch Community Services is all about.

Additional Resources:

• Here’s another IMK post about a group that seeks to help its members improve their lives!

Topics for Discussion:

• What do you think of Birch Community Services’ philosophy of asking those who take to also give back?
• How do you think people feel when they participate as members of Birch Community Services?

Take Action:

• Barry and Suzanne took a simple idea and used it to help needy people in their community. What simple action can you take to help people in your community?
• Visit the Birch Community Services website to learn more about this amazing organization and how you can help support it!

Teacher Features:

• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.