“Njoy! Njoy! has been doing great things in this west Dayton neighborhood since 2013,” says Pat Higgins, who first brought our attention to the organization.
Directing the group is founder Freida Oriakhi, a retired Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employee. “Freida and her mother wanted to help their community by providing lunch and eventually build a community center to offer a variety of much needed services,” explains Higgins.
To date, Njoy!Njoy! has purchased the seven lots adjacent to its current facility in hopes of reaching its goal of building a center for the community. “Even though Mom has passed on, I strongly believe that she is smiling down on me and she is the inspiration that keeps me going,” says Oriakhi.
Njoy! Njoy! is a member of the Dayton Foodbank. Lunch is prepared and served by a group of volunteers. Mealtime also offers an opportunity for visitors to talk to volunteers regarding a variety of personal issues. The lunch program has grown from serving 60 lunches to more than 100 each week.
At this time, Njoy!Njoy! is run solely on small donations. To keep the momentum growing and to meet the needs of the residents, homeless and hungry, Njoy!Njoy would greatly appreciate help.
Here’s what they can use:
- Paper products including napkins, plates and cups
- Plastic silverware
- Cleaning products
- Paper towels
- Toilet tissue
- Gift Cards to purchase food
Donations can be dropped off at 1500 West Riverview Ave., Dayton, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. If you would like to drop off supplies but can not come on Wednesdays, you can arrange a different time by calling Freida at (937) 279-7463.
Monetary donation may be made to Njoy!Njoy! 1500 Riverview Avenue, Dayton, 45402 or by visiting www.njoynjoy7.com.
Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss profiled a non-profit organization in our community and its needs. If your group would like to be included, please contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your mission.
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