About Us
Mission
Small Things works with local partners and community leaders to alleviate poverty by improving food security and collaborating to address other community needs.
Values
Collaboration - We believe that partnership is critical to alleviating poverty, which is why we strive to build real, lasting relationships by collaborating with our partner organizations to meet the needs of their communities.
Dignity - We believe that every individual we support deserves to be treated with respect, empathy, and love regardless of their situation.
Integrity - We believe in having integrity in all of our actions and in all of our partnerships.
Impact - In everything we do, we want to ensure that our efforts have a positive impact in our community.
Compassion - We believe in moving toward people, not away regardless of circumstances. Compassion is at the forefront of decision making
Our Story
Small Things began as ‘Easter Outreach’
In early 2010, a North Philadelphia zip code was named the hungriest in America. Because this neighborhood was in close proximity, a team from Liberti Church East felt compelled to act. That spring, the team raised money and gathered volunteers, and on the day before Easter, distributed 100 dinners to those experiencing food insecurity. In 2011, that number grew to 1,000 meals distributed. By 2019, Easter Outreach had partnered with Philabundance for distribution, with Water is Basic to provide water and famine relief in South Sudan, and with 75 local organizations to distribute 10,000 Easter dinners in Greater Philadelphia and to fund water provision in South Sudan.
In 2020, Easter Outreach partnered with #forPhilly and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to continue to serve the area’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. That fall, Easter Outreach provided one million meals and began operating out of its own warehouse space by December.
Why rename Easter Outreach ‘Small Things’?
It was clear that Easter Outreach had expanded beyond a seasonal day of service, so the name was changed to Small Things. Mother Theresa said, “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love”, and that is our philosophy. This new name reflects the fact that change often starts with one small step; one small gathering, one small sacrifice, one small message of hope. The name recognizes that Small Things is how change happens.
In 2021 we distributed over eight million meals to families in need, doubled our partner list, and hired three full-time, and two part-time employees, as well as a delivery driver. We welcomed over 2,300 volunteers to our warehouse to pack and sort food and goods for the community.
By mobilizing each other to reach out and care for one another, we can change lives and transform communities.
Meet the Board
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Pastor Michel Faulkner
BOARD CHAIRMAN
Pastor Michel Faulkner holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and sociology from Virginia Tech as well as a Master’s degree in education and career counseling from Virginia Tech. Michel is an All-American football player who spent two years in the National Football League and who has pastored five churches throughout the northeast.
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Reverend Vito Baldini
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SMALL THINGS
Vito Baldini is a native Philadelphian and an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America. Vito has a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Cairn University and a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary… Read Vito’s full bio here.
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Joan Boyce
SECRETARY
Joan is the Senior Director Government Relations & Public Affairs at Einstein Health Network and holds a Bachelor of Science in communication from The Ohio State University. Joan formerly worked as the Director of Programming and Community Affairs, WPHL-TV, Philadelphia.
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Reverend Bonnie Camarda
BOARD MEMBER
Bonnie is the Director of Partnerships for The Salvation Army Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Civic and Social Organization and holds a Master of Divinity from Rice University. In addition to her role at the Salvation Army, Bonnie is on the Boards of Nueva Esperanza and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
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Andrew Kim
TREASURER
Andrew is a Senior Product Governance Manager for abrdn. He holds a BA in Classics from Cornell University, an MS in Special Education from Brooklyn College, and a JD from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
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Pastor Mark Novales
BOARD MEMBER
Mark is the full-time pastor at City Reach Church in Philadelphia. Mark holds a Masters in Divinity from Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, PA. Prior to starting his seminary career, Mark spent 26 years in the United States Army.
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Ben Ruegsegger
BOARD MEMBER
Ben grew up in Nyack, New York. He is a graduate of Eastern University with a degree in Economics and Finance. He serves as a portfolio manager of sustainable thematic equities for AllianceBernstein. He is also a deacon at Liberti Main Line Church.
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Ricardo Maldonado
BOARD MEMBER
Ricardo serves as the National Sales Director, Community Outreach - DSNP & Medicare at Aetna. He has a Business Administration Degree from the University of Carabobo, Venezuela; a Master’s degree in International Marketing from St. Joseph’s University; and a graduate marketing certificate from The Wharton School.
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Sarah (Snider) Migali
BOARD MEMBER
Sarah Migali is a Partner at Oliver Wyman Health and Life Sciences, New York. She holds a Master of Engineering and Engineering Management from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University.
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Adan A. Mairena
BOARD MEMBER
Adan has been the pastor at West Kensington Ministry since 2008. He has a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Divinity degree from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
Meet the Team
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Reverend Vito Baldini
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Barb Delp
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Tony Tucker
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & IT
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Lauren Faux
PROGRAM MANAGER
Lauren knows the food world well. Her experience managing the Farmer's Market in Philadelphia and volunteering as a no-waste chef at the People's Kitchen ensures she understands what we are trying to accomplish at Small Things. Her personal goals include improving access to healthy food and reducing food waste.
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John Casey
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
John literally does the heavy lifting by managing the Small Things warehouse and the team that makes it run.
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Nick Barbella
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
“I love showing up for work and seeing my co-workers, our amazing volunteers, and our community partners when they come to pick up their food. It reminds me of the power of collaboration and the positive impact we can make through our supportive and caring community.”
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Corey Jay "CJ" Cutner
RECEIVING & PROCUREMENT
“The staff and volunteers make coming to work a delightful experience. I love the fact that we all are helping prevent food insecurity. I always wanted to have an impact on this city and with Small Things this is possible”
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Jack Kennedy
WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE
Jack is a retired pastor and legal videographer who started at Small Things as a volunteer. He thrives on serving our Greater Philadelphia area partners who come to pick up food and goods.
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Matthew Cyphert
WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE
“I love working here at Small Things and I am grateful to be part of a team that helps so many people in need.”
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Chris McDougall
WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE
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Angel Natal
WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE
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Robert Ramos
DELIVERY DRIVER
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Sean Wiggins
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
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Carlos Betancourt Jr.
SMALL THINGS MARKET ASSOCIATE
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Nilda Pimentel
SMALL THINGS MARKET ASSOCIATE