WEST CHESTER (June 16, 2021) – Residents and businesses have just over a week left to participate in the food drive that state Senator Carolyn Comitta is holding in partnership with The Bianca Nikol Merge with Mercy Foundation.
The food drive, benefitting the Chester County Food Bank, is running until Monday, June 28
Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the donation box in the lobby of Senator Comitta’s West Chester District Office, located at 17 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester. The lobby is open during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). After dropping off a donation, please take a purple pipe cleaner daisy found on the donation box and “spread the love.”
For a listing of the most in-demand food items click here.
In addition, residents can participate virtually by donating online at www.daisiesforbianca.org
So, far Senator Comitta’s office and The Bianca Nikol Merge with Mercy Foundation have collected three carloads of food donations through their community outreach efforts.
“The pandemic has exacerbated and expanded the problem of food insecurity in our communities. No family, child, senior citizen, or resident should have to go hungry. No one should have to choose between a meal or paying for medication, utilities or other necessities,” Comitta said. “I am honored that we have partnered with the Merge with Mercy Foundation to support those in need in Bianca’s name. Bianca’s light, love, and compassion for others continues to shine bright and we are proud to share and reflect it through this food drive and future efforts.”
Named for Bianca Nikol Roberson, whose life was tragically cut short by an act of hatred and gun violence, the foundation works to empower the oppressed to overcome societal challenges, educate communities and youth about the impacts of gun violence, and keep Bianca’s story alive by providing support, assistance, advocacy, and ongoing outreach initiatives.
In 2017, 18-year-old Bianca had recently graduated from Bayard Rustin High School and was planning to attend Jacksonville University on a full scholarship when she was shot and killed while driving in West Goshen.
Bianca’s mother, Michelle Roberson, CEO of The Bianca Nikol Merge with Mercy Foundation and a Constituent Services Specialist with Senator Comitta’s office, said the food drive is another way to honor her daughter’s values of selflessness, inclusion, and a commitment to helping others.
She asked community members to donate to the food drive for three very important reasons.
“First, we need to continue to come together as a community and feed the hungry. Second, to honor the memory of my beautiful Bianca Nikol Roberson. This is who Bianca was – she always wanted to save the world and give herself to help anyone and everyone. So please help keep her memory alive and help someone who needs a meal. And third, help heal my broken heart by seeing the love and support that my daughter Bianca would have spread. SPREAD THE LOVE!”
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