One Owensboro resident has worked consistently over the last several months to provide for his community in light of the pandemic. Travis Owsley, founder of Beverly’s Hearty Slice, is now working to provide Christmas gifts for 50 families this holiday season.
Owsley and a team of supporters most recently secured and distributed 145 Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
Owsley’s efforts in supporting local families has allowed him to secure the funding and legal necessities to turn Beverly’s Hearty Slice — named in honor of his late mother who was known for her generosity in feeding her neighbors — into an official nonprofit organization.
On Dec. 18, Owsley will be holding the first annual Beverly’s Hearty Slice Christmas event, where he will distribute stockings filled with Christmas presents and gift cards to 50 families in need. The event will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. at Kendall Perkins Park.
Already, Owsley and his team of volunteers have received several significant donations that have gotten them closer to their goal.
On Dec. 4, Owsley will be offering free pizza, soft drinks and packaged desserts to the community. The event will be held at Kendall Perkins Park but hosted by The Party Space Place, located at 5010 Wildcat Way. All of the food was made available through donations from Pepsi, Little Debbie Snack Cakes and members of the community.
“It’s crazy,” Owsley said of the growing support his organization has received. “From August to now — it’s unbelievable.”
Other businesses and agencies — such as Ernie Davis & Sons Mechanical and the Sheila K. Foundation — have chipped in $1,000 and $500, respectively, to go toward Owsley’s Christmas events.
“People have purchased Walmart gift cards for us, too,” he said. “I’m hoping to provide $35-$40 gift cards to each of the 50 families. With COVID, it’s causing a depression, financially, for so many people right now.”
At both events, residents will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to the Christmas gift event, Owsley said he will be accepting additional donations in the form of toys, coats and pants with hopes that he can help as many people as possible.
Anyone and everyone from the community is welcome to participate in either event, he added.
Owsley, who serves as the administrative supervisor at St. Joseph Peace Mission, said plans for turning Beverly’s Hearty Slice into its own nonprofit organization are already well underway.
“I’ve got someone helping me start it. We have the [funding we need in place] and an attorney who’s been [handling the legalities],” Owsley said. “All of my board members will be strong, independent women, just like my mom.”
