Invest in You – Plant Party Supports Nazareth Food Bank 2025

Wednesday’s Invest in You plant party was a great succ(ulent)ess, judging by the beautiful creations, roomful of smiles and carload of groceries collected for the Nazareth Area Food Bank.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our participants, for the fun social hour and for the generous donations everyone contributed to our food drive. We’re also grateful to Naomi and Leanna from Gallivanting Greenhouse for helping us design succulent terrariums. Each one was uniquely beautiful, just like you!

The groceries donated before and during the Wednesday evening event filled my car, and when I delivered them Friday, the food bank volunteers eagerly started sorting the boxes and cans to distribute them to families in the Nazareth Area School District. We also collected cash donations totaling $220.

As always, our Invest in You guests had a fun evening, created warm memories and made a positive impact on our community. Thank you!

Here is the recipe for the pumpkin chip cookies Alyssa baked for the event:

Pumpkin Chip Cookies

1 ½ cups butter, softened

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

2 cups quick-cooking oats

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat over to 350°. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in pumpkin. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
2. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.