Inspirational author encourages children and families to ACT
Area children and families were called to ACTion this week at St. Augustine’s Hunger Center in Cleveland where Lisa Umina, author of “Milo and the Green Wagon – A Life Lesson to Give,” helped coordinate a food drive to advocate and bring awareness to the Fight Against Hunger. She presented her book to children at St. Augustine’s and accepted food and non-perishable donations all day Saturday while appearing live on WKYC-TV.
The “ACT” (Action Changes Things) theme of her new book is something Umina believes can motivate others. In the story, the loving Milo character finds a discarded wagon, fixes it up and then fills it with food for the hungry, something Umina did as a child with her brother, David. The heartwarming tale teaches children about generosity, selflessness, love and respect for all people, Umina said. The author’s ACT presentations with Milo reinforce the idea that each person has special gifts and talents to share with others. One of her aspirations is to spark interest in ACT Mission community food drives.
During the event, Sister Corita Ambro spoke about the importance of the Hunger Center where 250 meals per day are served. According to a recent report released by The Center for Community Solutions, the need for food is on the rise in Cleveland and the suburbs of Cuyahoga County. Corita said donations are plentiful during Thanksgiving and Christmas, but drop off during the rest of the year.
“This will help us replenish our pantry shelves. We certainly are grateful to Lisa and her committed effort to help the hungry. She is a focused woman,” Corita said.
“And, it was a great chance to show children the needs of the community and to teach them how to be like Christ to other people,” she said.
Children and families placed items into “Milo’s wagon,” an 18-foot green John Deere utility cart, donated for the event by Gary Smolik, owner of The Tractor Place in North Royalton. Umina autographed copies of “Milo and the Green Wagon” and donated $5 to the Hunger Center for every book sold. Other sponsors and donors included Orlando Bakery, Sidari’s Italian Foods, The Fest, St. Anthony of Padua in Parma, Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, The Montessori School at Holy Rosary in Little Italy, Delivermefood.com, Hopkins Transportation Lakefront Line, Kurtz Bros., Catholicmom.com and Grismer’s Religious Store in Northfield.
