Fresh Paint, Fresh Spirit: Chelsea Brings Creativity to the Y’s Mini Pantries

Quaker Valley High School student and Sewickley Valley YMCA member Chelsea Cherock has been putting her artistic talents to work—literally! Over the past several weeks, Chelsea volunteered her time to repaint several of the YMCA’s Free Mini Pantries, giving them a cheerful new look designed to brighten anyone’s day.

Armed with brushes, paint, and plenty of creativity, Chelsea cleaned, primed, and painted each pantry, adding her own special touch with friendly fruit and veggie characters. Her work not only refreshed the pantries but also added a dose of hope and positivity for neighbors who rely on these pantries for essential food and personal care items.

Chelsea’s commitment to fighting food insecurity doesn’t stop there. She also volunteers regularly with the Food to Families monthly food distribution program, helping prepare and pack boxes filled with nutritious staples and fresh produce for local households—sometimes even including homemade cookies for an extra smile.

The Sewickley Valley YMCA’s food relief programs play a vital role in supporting families during challenging times, including those impacted by rising grocery costs or delays in public assistance programs such as SNAP. Volunteers are at the heart of this work, helping to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.

If you’re looking for ways to help, there are several ways to get involved in the Y’s food programs:

• Assemble and Deliver Food Boxes: Volunteer for the Food to Families program on the second Saturday of each month at the Leetsdale VFW (8:00–9:30 a.m.) to help pack and distribute healthy food to local families.
• Stock Free Mini Pantries: Collect and deliver nonperishable food and personal care items to help keep community pantries full in Ambridge, Leetsdale, Crescent Township, and Sewickley.
• Quaker Valley Food to Families: Fund or contribute to food deliveries that provide fresh, nutritious food to families in need across our community.

Each volunteer effort—big or small—helps strengthen food security and community connection across the Quaker Valley area.

Looking to make a difference?

Become a YMCA food relief volunteer and donate to provide healthy, nutritious food to families who need it most.