Cinda Roberts believes that everyone should help where they can and, as Gandhi encouraged, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Roberts knows that small, positive actions can produce real, lasting change.

When she heard at a Zonta Club meeting about a need for new shoes and socks for School Street Elementary School students, she didn’t hesitate.

“I thought it was perfect because it would let me continue with my mission,” said Roberts. “I have been doing this for a long time, in every community I have lived in.”

Roberts has a long history of quiet giving. Whether it’s sneakers for children, warm winter hats, or hygiene supplies for local shelters, she finds a way to help. Through her career as a public school teacher, Roberts was in a unique position to spot those who could use a helping hand.

“I’ve worked in schools for most of my career and there is always a need for children to have shoes, socks and a way to stay warm,” said Roberts.

She can recall the story of one child who had received a donated coat during a particularly harsh winter. The next day at school, he didn’t have the coat on. When questioned, he explained that he had given the coat to his little brother, who didn’t have a coat himself.

“That just breaks your heart,” said Roberts. “No child should have to make that choice between staying warm themselves or helping their little sibling stay warm.”

When Roberts finds she wants to help, she reaches out to her community. For example, when living in Virginia she came across a mother and three children who were living in a car during winter.

“I reached out to the other teachers and my friends and neighbors and together we took up a donation of food and clothes for them,” said Roberts. “Social services were able to get involved and get them a hotel room so they had somewhere to stay.”

For Roberts, this is a prime example of how it takes all kinds to help build a strong community.

“The key is getting out there and meeting a need,” said Roberts.

She says that helping others not only builds a stronger community but it also gives her a sense of purpose. Too often, the world’s problems can feel heavy. Roberts finds that helping someone else gives her a sense of purpose and hope.

“It feels a lot better to get out and do one positive thing rather than sitting around and just complaining about the problem,” said Roberts. “It really is a matter of being the change you want to see in your community.”

Robert’s generosity doesn’t end with footwear. Last winter, she scoured stores for end-of-season sales, buying up more than 50 hats and gloves to distribute. She intends to give some to Zonta for Warm it Forward — clothing lines placed throughout McKean County that will be filled with winter clothing donations for the taking. Lines are stocked throughout the winter season to ensure anyone can grab what they need to stay warm.

For Roberts, giving is more than a gesture. It is a way of life that she learned as a young child. Her aunt, also a teacher, would often go out at night and leave donations of food and clothing on the doorsteps of families in need — something Roberts continues to this day.

“I will do this until the day I die,” said Roberts. “I’ve been doing this for at least the last 15 years and I still have a passion for it.”

The clothing and furniture she donates is bought lightly used or refurbished, but Roberts only donates new footwear.
“Clothing can be washed but nobody wants to be walking around in somebody’s old, used shoes,” said Roberts. “But when it comes to the clothes I just wash everything, iron it and send them off.”

Although she prefers to stay behind the scenes, Roberts is active in her Zonta chapter’s advocacy work. As co-chair of the advocacy committee, she has been involved in painting storefront windows to raise awareness about domestic violence and collecting personal hygiene items for the YWCA.

“I just do what I can,” said Roberts. “If every person opened their heart and gave just a little, the world would be a much better place.”