Partners in Outreach, a volunteer-driven organization, was initially created with the “Operation Easter Outfit” program at its forefront.

Since then, many new programs have been added, and Operation Easter Outfit continues to grow and spread joy to the children of Chester County. On Apr. 15, PIO celebrated 14 years of celebrating and supporting youth through literacy initiatives and extracurricular programs.

This year, Operation Easter Outfit and Operation Easter Basket reached 18 recipient organizations. 1,776 Easter baskets were delivered. Each basket included a new book, a new toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, and school supplies. In the months leading up to these deliveries, donations are collected, supplies are purchased and organized, and volunteers come together on Assembly Service Days.

Program leaders Susan Lamb, Barb Quinn, and Trisha Harrer spearheaded these programs. They gathered students from St. Agnes School, Malvern Preparatory School, St. Patrick Malvern, Villa Maria Lower School, Villa Maria High School, Villa Maria Lacrosse Team, Academy of Notre Dame, St. Joseph’s CYO and Confirmation Students, Main Line T.A.G. for assembly.

Now that the Easter programs have wrapped up, Partners in Outreach will focus on its literacy initiative. Literacy is a focus point for PIO, and one way they engage with students to close the literacy gap is through Classroom Reading Partners. Through this program, volunteers read to students and distribute new books to increase excitement around reading! Next, Summer Camp Partners will kick off. Bags that include a new bathing suit, beach towel, water bottle, and flip-flops are distributed to subsidized summer camps and swim lessons.

Learn more and discover how to get involved or donate at Partners in Outreach.