Uplifting Lancaster, One Act of Kindness at a Time
Paying It Forward supports Lancaster-area families, seniors, veterans, and youth through food, essential supplies, and community outreach. Join us to make a tangible difference!
Support Our Mission
About Paying It Forward
Founded in 2020, Paying It Forward is a Lancaster, PA-based nonprofit driven by compassion and a commitment to serve children, families, seniors, and veterans. We address food insecurity, provide basic necessities, and strengthen community wellness through hands-on support and strategic partnerships.
Our programming includes distributing food boxes, hygiene kits, school supplies, and baby care essentials, as well as promoting neighborhood unity through initiatives like Adopt-A-Street. We foster dignity, resilience, and hope by directly responding to the needs of underserved groups, building a better future for Lancaster—one act of kindness at a time.
Our Programs & Services
Paying It Forward tackles food insecurity, provides educational and hygiene resources, supports new mothers, and enhances community pride in Lancaster through a range of targeted programs and outreach events.
Senior & Veteran Food Boxes
Monthly food boxes delivered to local seniors and veterans, ensuring regular access to nutritious meals and addressing food insecurity.
Prenatal Support for New Mothers
In partnership with Penn Medicine, we provide diaper bags, diapers, and baby care essentials to new and expecting mothers, giving babies a healthy start.
Prison Release Hygiene Kits
Hygiene and toiletry kits enable successful reentry for individuals served through Penn Medicine's Prison Release Program, restoring dignity and well-being.
Back-to-School & Student Support
We distribute backpacks, school supplies, and toiletries to thousands of students annually, partnering with La Academia Charter School and local families.
Adopt-A-Street Program
Our community-driven Adopt-A-Street Program organizes regular clean-ups, fostering neighborhood pride, cleaner streets, and safer communities.
Holiday & Community Events
Seasonal food drives, holiday giveaways, and outreach events connect Lancaster residents, distributing essentials and nurturing community bonds.
Our Mission
Paying It Forward’s mission is to create a ripple effect of kindness in Lancaster by delivering essential support—food, supplies, and care—to those most in need. We strive to restore dignity, remove barriers, and bring hope by engaging volunteers, fostering partnerships, and serving as a reliable resource for our community. Every program, event, and outreach aims to ignite change and improve lives, one compassionate gesture at a time.