Lifetime Reading resident Alice Moyer recognized an imminent need in Berks County. Her mission trip to Pittsburgh in 2004 and support from West Lawn United Methodist Church were the catalysts to help solve it.
Inspired by the Pittsburgh Project’s work, Moyer co-founded Little Acts of Love, a Berks Countybased 501(c)(3) public charity focused on rebuilding homes and restoring hope for homeowners aged 60 years and older.
“I thought, ‘Why are we going across the state when we have a need right here in our own backyard?’” Moyer reflects on the trip. “But, it’s good to go somewhere else to learn how it’s done, think about how it can be done in your own community and then bring it back.”
Photos Courtesy Little Acts Of Love
Those who are disabled, lowincome, veterans or who may find themselves in an otherwise challenging scenario can apply or be referred to receive free home repairs from the organization.
“People struggling financially have to decide whether they’re going to buy medication, pay their taxes or fix the front porch,” says Moyer. “There are people who adapt to living in their current situation, and it’s not a way that you or I would live, but it’s what they did in order to manage within their spaces. We had one gentleman who used a wheeled Coleman cooler that he would sit on to get through the doorways because they weren’t wide enough for his wheelchair.”
While the nonprofit can rely on volunteers for most projects, partnerships with other organizations or individuals with specialized skills such as landscaping or construction have been essential to Little Acts of Love’s impact over the last two decades. The West Lawn United Methodist Church and Home Depot Foundation are prime examples of that impact.
“The partnership with West Lawn United Methodist Church was critical for us in the beginning when we started because we worked under their umbrella until we had our 501(c)(3) approved and had everything else in place,” says Moyer. “Their continued support and recognition of what’s being done in the community is really helpful to this day.”
The Home Depot Foundation, which Moyer has partnered with since 2015, has allowed Little Acts of Love to make its efforts with veteran homeowners a cornerstone of the nonprofit, particularly with installing outdoor ramps and fulfilling interior home repairs. Local organizations like Bodden Construction in Wyomissing have reached out to Little Acts of Love this year to discuss project opportunities and were connected with a local veteran and his wife.
Moyer encourages those who are passionate about taking care of their neighbors like she is, those interested in stepping in for people who can’t do things for themselves or organizations looking to volunteer their skills, labor or materials to engage with the organization. Volunteering doesn’t always have to be the hands-on work, either. Little Acts of Love can benefit from volunteers helping with social media, fundraising and even those interested in joining the Board of Directors. While the work is being done, connections are being made, and people’s lives are being impacted in positive ways.
Photos Courtesy Little Acts Of Love
“Each time you give back, you think that you’re doing something for somebody else. But it really changes you because you’ve stepped out into something where it’s your normal day-to-day. You’ve been challenged, and it gives you an opportunity to grow. Once you’re done with that experience, you really see how it’s changed who you are and how you perceive the world.”
Fun Facts
Like Mother, Like Daughter.
Moyer shared that her mother was always looking out for their nextdoor neighbors and helping others in need. That practice is instilled in her and fuels the nonprofit’s mission.
Your Little Act.
Visit littleactsoflove.net for upcoming community events to participate in, additional volunteer opportunities, homeowner applications and other ways to support Little Acts of Love.
