The Good Cheer Food Bank is only as good as the community that it is a part of. It is from this community that we find volunteers, charitable givers and businesses that have put their hearts into making Good Cheer the success that it is.
Creating a hunger free community is our cause and with the support of community heroes like the Goose Community Grocer we are able to provide consistent support for the community.
Over the past few years, people have been aware of the recession and have wanted to help. However, the housing market has yet to recover and the effect on the economy is huge. Just think of the number of industries that are impacted by a tough housing market. The recession is getting to be just a part of life. We have been adding new events like the Mother of all Talent Shows and we will continue to make adjustments to better serve the community.
We want to make sure that the people and organizations that support the food bank on a regular basis are recognized for their efforts. You’ll note that our blog content is focused on doing just that.
“Giving Thanks – What a Great Community” was a post that highlighted some of the great support that is provided in our community. Just click on the Cultivating Community Poster to read more. If you haven’t read our blog this is a great way to get acquainted.
As Kathy McLaughlin says “We just love the calls from the Goose, sometimes they come from the Produce Department and other times from the Deli Department informing us that they have product for us.” What a comfort to know that a local business is thinking about the food bank on a daily basis. Kathy told us that “We get the call, we make a quick trip, takes us less than 5 minutes and we have more items for our food bank clients to choose from. It is a wonderful partnership. We just love the GOOSE!”
They have helped us with coupon programs which are a “win-win” situation since the individual stores receive money back from the manufacturer on coupons that are used. The stores essentially receive full value. Coupons are a way of enticing people to come to their stores and in times like these a benefit to the grocer in need of business.
Coupons are wonderful tools that many of us don’t take advantage of. The use of food stamps and coupons can dramatically increase the amount of food that you can buy. We can look at coupon offerings and preview sources looking for those items that are the healthiest for our clients. Saving money through the use of coupons and rebates has affected other parts of our operation; the savings allow us to have more flexibility and give us the ability to make choices when filling holes.
Who can forget the shopping spree that took place at the Goose last year? Ed and Chris Halloran won a shopping spree at the Goose and donated it to the food bank. There are many community heroes and for that we are grateful.
To the Goose we say thank you for being there for us!
It means a lot and it affects so many people; you are truly one of our heroes!
Dear Kathy,
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful, generous post! It’s been, and shall continue to be, an honor to be one of your partners as you deliver on your exquisitely vital mission of helping so many of our friends and neighbors in this community.
Good Cheer: we’re very grateful for who you are, and what you do – THANK YOU for being there!
Debbie Torget