Easton, Pa. — When Dana Kozinski began giving to her local community, it started with fundraisers at her children’s school, but the expanse of her generosity quickly grew.
Kozinski has now amassed almost 3,000 members in a Facebook group titled “Angels of Easton Helping Hands,” created so that those in need could easily connect with those able to give.
Kozinski’s reach extends beyond her online organizing, as she remains hands-on in her efforts and serves as the first contact for many in need.
“This is not about me,” Kozinski says. “I’m not here for the clout, I’m here for them. I want you to see them. I want you to feel their pain. I want you to sit with them.”
At first, Kozinski focused her efforts in the Easton Area School District by supporting school fundraisers, but went on to tackle more personal cases.
In one instance, she found out that a student was being bullied for always having been raised by his grandparents and therefore having little beyond the necessities. Kozinski was able to source volunteers willing to take him shopping, which amounted to $500 worth of clothes.
Now, that same student shows his gratitude by volunteering alongside Kozinski and dispersing meals to those in need.
An increasing number of Easton residents began donating resources to Kozinski’s cause, whether it was items they were looking to get rid of or purchases made through her Amazon wishlist.
Soon, her garage was filled to the brim with donations and it became evident that she was going to need more space. Kozinski was recently able to gain access to storage space, but until the paperwork is finalized, she’s unable to utilize it.
She has been fortunate to gain the support of some local politicians, but is hoping that her word can be spread further.
“This is why I need to be heard,” Kozinski said. “I really only need five minutes to tell you what’s going on and what I need.”
One way that the Angels of Easton provide a helping hand to the Easton community, whether homeless or just in need of extra support, is by regularly serving hot meals at an easily accessible outdoor location.
With the help of other volunteers, including her husband and sister, Kozinski sets up folding tables to distribute volunteer-prepared home-cooked meals.
In addition, Easton’s “Mi Casa Restaurante” has teamed up with Kozinski to provide fresh pizzas twice a week. Not only is she helping humans in need, but their pets as well. Kozinski gives out pet food, bowls, collars and leashes, going so far as to remember who had asked for what.
“When somebody says something negative [online],” Kozinski explained, “I ask them, ‘What time are you coming down?’ or ‘Did you cook for me today?’. If they have time, they can come down and ask me questions and talk to me while they’re helping… but the support is much greater than the negativity.”
Meals are just one aspect of what Kozinski and her volunteers have worked to provide. She recently organized a back-to-school drive and was able to personally fill 220 backpacks with donated supplies.
Similarly, the Angels of Easton have filled 200 drawstring bags to give out during meal times, containing snacks, toiletries, socks and more.
Found alongside these bags is a large assortment of clothing, blankets and mattress pads for homeless individuals to sleep on.
The group also gives to families in need during the holidays through Easter baskets, Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts.
“Everybody calls me for everything,” Kozinski explained. “It’s resources, it’s domestic violence… It’s ‘I’ve only got a day, then I’m on the streets’.”
Even without the recent impacts of the Pa. budget impasse, Easton’s homeless shelters and resource centers have been getting pushed to their limits. When shelters are on the brink of capacity, Kozinski has found that they often direct those in need to her instead.
“It’s hard for me to stop now,” Kozinski said. “[The community is] used to it. Their stomachs are only full until tomorrow.”
