Our First Ever Thanksgiving Food Drive

At times, I feel like the Ever-Ready Bunny who never ceases to tire. Following the thrill and excitement coming off the Fundraiser, I felt compelled to initiate our next move. It took little to strategize a plan with Thanksgiving just around the corner. Until our kitchen is fully operational, I figured planning a food drive seemed the likely solution for providing much-needed holiday canned goods and nonperishable items to Veterans in need. Our partnership with the VA Department of Veteran Services began months ago when I made a call to inquire about Cook For Vets being a resource for the Veterans they service. While I put together the details to create a Thanksgiving Food Drive Flyer, I began thinking about how best to implement this plan. I approached the store manager at the local Giant Supermarket to ask if we could hold a food drive there. I did not need to do any convincing whatsoever as he was on board right away. John said that normally only two days per month were permitted for soliciting donations, but because he felt our mission was so meaningful, he allowed me to be at the supermarket handing out flyers for an entire week. Needless to say, I was jumping for joy and got busy finishing the flyers. Our Giant food drive was a great success! Two huge hauls of canned goods, nonperishable items, and ten turkeys have all made their way to our food pantry and freezer. I have come to realize that as we ask for things, generous souls will always deliver. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of this experience knowing that we will provide for Veterans in need. I have also posted flyers and donation bins in the following locations; Honor Brewing Company, Woodlawn Press Winery, and the American Legion Post 176. I am indebted to all those that support our mission to assist Veterans who would otherwise be without a holiday meal.