Thursday, September 30, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"Having experienced the Conklin flood of 2006 and been blessed by various food banks in the area at that time, I feel a closer kinship with the people who come to the CHOW pantry."

A CHOW Pantry Volunteer

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

CHOW Article about Poverty

Poverty Rates Soar
By WBNG News



September 20, 2010

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Affordable housing is hard to come by these days in the Southern Tier.

As of 2009, the US Census Bureau reports that 1 in 7 Americans now live below the poverty line.

Action News Reporter Haley Burton tells us how the need for help continues to grow.

This brand new apartment building on Liberty Street in Binghamton is just one of Opportunities for Broome's 14 low-income housing properties.

It's still not easy to get a key to move in.


"The need has just been fantastic. People just really who were once working and had these jobs are now unemployed or underemployed and just aren't able to meet the bills that they had and really now are just trying to adjust to their situation now," said Kelly Robertson, Program Director for Opportunities for Broome.


The waiting list is so long Robertson says she can't even put a time-stamp on it.


OFB says it gets 15 to 20 calls a day from people in need, many of which who are looking for housing.


The Rescue Mission at the First Presbyterian Church in Binghamton gets multiple calls each day with people looking for somewhere to live.


It's not just people who are homeless but those who no longer can afford their rent, utilities or are in fear of being evicted.


With more people in need, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse is having a hard time keeping its shelves stocked.


There's plenty of chips and sodas.


The healthy shelf stable food is not there to give out through the pantries.


"We're trying to keep them filled with that type of food. It's causing us to buy more so we've been buying more. the state government has had some issues trying to keep up with their contracts as far as those things so, so we've been struggling to keep our pantry stocked," said Reverend Dr. Joe Sellepack, Executive Director for Broome County Council of Churches.


Local organizations say they are trying their hardest to meet the demand.

But with 44 million Americans now living in poverty, it's difficult to keep up.

In Binghamton, Haley Burton, WBNG-TV Action News.


As of 2009, the Census Bureau reports 14.3 percent of Americans are now living in poverty.


For more information and how to get help through Opportunities for Broome, go to their website at www.ofbonline.org or call (607) 723-6493.

For a list of Soup Kitchens and Community Meals in Broome County, you can visit http://www.broomecouncil.net

View Article and Video Here
 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Hunger Action Month and the Poverty Rate

09/19/2010 06:05 PM


Latest poverty numbers hit home in the Southern Tier

By: Carmen Perez

September is Hunger Action Month and it appears the problem is more widespread than it has been in many years. This past Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced some startling numbers showing that in 2009, the poverty rate was 14.3 percent, the highest it has been since 1994. Our Carmen Perez has the story behind those numbers and the people fighting hard against poverty.


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Chloe Galusha is just one-years-old and more often than not her mother Kimberly wonders how she will feed her through the end of every month.

Kimberly Galusha, a Binghamton resident said, "Food stamps run low like we only get 400 something a month and by the time the end of the month comes they are gone because she is eating now and the food goes quick."

More and more families like Chloe's are finding it tougher to spread their income and are having to turn to food pantries and soup kitchens for help.

Right now more than forty-three and a half million people live below the poverty line and the CHOW pantry in Broome County has seen a 23 percent increase in just the last year.

Ed Blaine, CHOW director said, "A lot of people are one damaging bill away from coming to pantry or going to a soup kitchen. We've had a lot of first time people coming to our pantries and they are a little bit ashamed, they are a little bit nervous saying you know I have never had to do this."

Most volunteers agree that the faces of the people they are serving are changing.

"The money is not stretching far enough so they don't have enough to meet that quota from pay check to pay check," said Geraldine Ford.

Geraldine Ford, affectionately known to the people in her soup kitchen as Mother Ford, has made it her mission to make sure that every person who comes in is able to make it to their next meal.

Geraldine Ford, of the Carroll Street Ministries said, "They came in hungry but they are not leaving hungry."

According to the latest numbers, one in five children are growing up in poverty.

Shaniya Marshall, a Binghamton resident said, "My mom would do anything for us to provide the food and shelter we need."

Providing may be getting harder for families to do, as reports indicate that the problem of poverty isn't going away, but is actually growing.

"Wake up, because sooner or later it is going to come to your doorstep because things aint getting that much better," said Ford.

"Food prices gas prices everything is going up how do you expect people to live? I mean it is hard," said Galusha.

Theirs is a frustration shared by many Americans who are ready and waiting for relief.

If you would like more information about area food pantries, soup kitchens or how to donate to organizations like CHOW, visit www.broomecouncil.net.


View Article and Video Here

Binghamton's Restuarant Week

Binghamton's Restaurant Week to raise money for CHOW

By Jennifer Micale •jmicale@gannett.com •

September 18, 2010, 6:40 pm

The City of Binghamton is inviting you out to eat.

Local restaurant owners will hold the fall edition of Restaurant Week from Tuesday to Sept. 30 at more than a dozen city eateries. While it's dubbed Restaurant Week, the promotion -- which offers both lunch and dinner specials while raising money for charity -- spans more than seven days. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

"We were able to double the number of restaurants," said Piero Lisio, owner of Little Venice Restaurant on Chenango Street.

The first Restaurant Week was held in March, and business owners plan to hold the event semiannually in the spring and fall. The March event raised nearly $2,000 for the Boys & Girls Club.

The first event drew new customers to Tranquil Bar & Bistro on Pine Street, said owner Sean Massey, also a city councilman.

"There are so many great restaurants and businesses in Binghamton. We need to highlight that," he said.

Participating restaurants are offering a three-course lunch special for $8 and a three-course dinner special for $20.

Restaurants participating in the lunch special are Crepe Heaven, Downtown Cabana, Little Venice, Nezuntoz, Sake-Tumi, Whole in the Wall, The Flan Club and the Lost Dog Café. Dinner special participants are Crepe Heaven, Little Venice, Sake-Tumi, Whole in the Wall, The Flan Club, Lost Dog Café, Tranquil Bar & Bistro, Mad Moose House of BBQ, Holiday Inn, Number 5, Downtown Cabana and Grande's Bella Cucina.

CHOW officials said they appreciate the help.

Need has risen over the past several years as the nation's troubled economy drives more people below the poverty line, said CHOW Director Ed Blaine. To couple a fundraiser with Restaurant Week "seems like a natural connection with me," he said.

For more information, visit http://www.binghamtonrestaurantweek.com/.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Restaurant Week to Benefit CHOW 9/21 - 9/30

Mayor Ryan and Restaurant Owners Announce Details of the Fall Edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week




Last Update: 12:14 pm

From the Office of the Mayor:


Mayor Matt Ryan today joined Binghamton restaurant owners to announce details of the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week. The event has expanded to feature twice as many restaurants as the spring edition, as well as a lunch special in addition to the dinner special.


“This event is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy our local restaurants and support an important cause, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse,” said Mayor Ryan. “The first edition of Restaurant Week was very successful, and this next one promises to be even better. Our city features a wide variety of excellent restaurants, and Restaurant Week brings attention to them, as well as our other attractions and amenities. I applaud the event organizers for their spirited efforts, and I invite everyone to enjoy the offerings over the next week.”


After last March’s first-ever Binghamton Restaurant Week raised nearly $2,000 for the Boys & Girls Club, organizers decided to hold the event twice annually, in the spring and fall. The fall edition of Restaurant Week includes additional restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW).


“The Broome County Council of Churches is appreciative to the downtown restaurants for their support of our CHOW program,” said Rev. Dr. Joseph Sellepack, Executive Director of the Broome County Council of Churches, under which CHOW operates. “In difficult economic times like these, it takes an entire community of people to care for our hungry neighbors. We want to express our deepest appreciation to the patrons and the restaurant owners for playing their part and serving those in need of food. Together we can put a stop to hunger in our area.”


LUNCH SPECIAL:

The new lunch special features three courses for $8. The participating restaurants include Crepe Heaven, Downtown Cabana, Little Venice Restaurant, Nezuntoz, Sake-Tumi, Whole in the Wall, The Flan Club and Lost Dog Café.


DINNER SPECIAL

The dinner special features 3 courses for $20. The restaurants participating in this portion of Restaurant Week are Crepe Heaven, Little Venice Restaurant, Sake-Tumi, Whole in the Wall, The Flan Club, Lost Dog Café, Tranquil Bar & Bistro, Mad Moose House of BBQ, Holiday Inn, Number 5 Restaurant, Downtown Cabana, Grande’s Bella Cucina.



“We're very excited about Binghamton’s second Restaurant Week,” said Marie McKenna, owner of the Lost Dog Café. “It’s a great event for a great cause.”


View Article

View Poster About Event Here

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

CHOW Event 9/16/10

Rachel’s Challenge in Vestal


September 15, 2010, 7:07 am

Rachel’s Challenge, one of America’s largest character development programs, is coming to the Vestal School Thursday. Parents and community members are welcome to attend a special evening presentation at 7 p.m. in the African Road Auditorium, 600 S. Benita Boulevard, Vestal.
The program was in Owego earlier in the week.

Last year, Rachel’s Challenge came to the Vestal Middle and High Schools for the first time to kick off the district’s K - 12 character education program. This year’s presentation, “Rachel’s Legacy,” picks up where last year’s message left off.

Admission is free, but parent groups will be collecting nonperishable food donations for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. A reception with refreshments will follow the presentation.

For more information on Rachel’s Challenge, visit their website at http://www.rachelschallenge.org/.

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100915/NEWS02/100915007/Rachel%E2%80%99s+Challenge+in+Vestal

Class Sponsored by the Council

Powerful Tools for Caregivers



Last Update: 9/14 9:21 am


From Broome County Office for Aging:

Education Opportunity for Caregivers: Powerful Tools Workshop


The workshop helps non-professional caregivers of any age develop new skills that will improve their lives and their ability to continue to provide care to an elderly loved.



The class will meet at the Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd. in Endwell on Thursdays starting October 7th for six weeks from 10-11:30am.



Pre-registration is required; call 778-2411 or email ofa@co.broome.ny.us to register. There is a suggested donation of $20 which covers the cost of book.



Additional information:

The course will help caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, make tough decisions, communicate better, and locate helpful resources and tips on how to balance caregiving with other responsibilities—including your responsibilities to yourself.


Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a program of the Legacy Foundation and is being supported locally by Broome County Office for Aging, Broome County Council of Churches, Lourdes Parish Nurse Program, United Health Services Stay Healthy Center.

http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Powerful-Tools-for-Caregivers/FSOG_ljXdU-Y1MC9lppZ6Q.cspx

Friday, September 10, 2010

Thank You Margaret for your Volunteering for the Council


Margaret (Gaidosh) Pratt of Binghamton




Margaret (Gaidosh) Pratt went into the loving arms of the Lord, Monday September 6th, 2010, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Fannie (Medwid) Gaidosh; her husband, Anton Thomas Pratt Sr.; her only son, Anton Thomas Pratt Jr.; her granddaughter, Lynne (Pratt) Kurutz; infant grandson, Phillip Pratt, Morgan Smart, Thomas Haen; her sisters, Anna Dragonetti, Mary VanBuskirk, Helen Nezelek, Jay Mrazek and Jaqueline. She is survived by her two daughters, Donna (Flynn) Haen and Laura (Pratt) Vlosky; one remaining sister, Gerry (Gaidosh) Kunkle; daughter-in-law, Barbara (Valence) Pratt; former son-in-law, Ed Vlosky; grandchildren, Anton Thomas Pratt III, Diane (Hoover) Pratt, Kelly (Flynn) Potak, Jake Potak, Pamela Flynn, Gamal Hampton, Megan (Flynn) Ferkol, Bryan Ferkol, Jimmy Flynn, Stephanie (Stine) Flynn, Anne (Vlosky) Layton, Chris Layton, Alexia Vlosky and Julie Vlosky; great-grandchildren, Dayne, Tarin and Tynan Pratt, Michael and Evan Kurutz, Alexandra and Sophia Potak and Harper Layton; sister-in-law, Rosemary Obrien; nephew, Robert Pratt; friend, David; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret was born in Johnson City, NY on the 10th of October, 1918. Perhaps that's why she loved fall most. She grew up on 23 Wilson St. attending Woodrow Wilson School through the eighth grade. Her love of learning endured throughout her lifetime. Margaret worked in a factory to support the war effort during WWII, but everyone knew her as the drapery department diva at Philadelphia Sales on Clinton St. Learning the ropes from the best, Mary Shramek, she became a devoted and knowledgeable salesperson. She knew her inventory and just what looked classy if anyone wanted her opinion, which she probably gave anyway. Later she was promoted to buyer in the lamp department. No family's home was bereft of the latest "window treatments" with Marge around. Never really a gardener, she nevertheless loved flowers and the green hills we watched on the long rides to the Beaverkill and "the barn." It was just that, a barn, until she and Anton worked to make it the best cottage ever! Many friends and family helped as well. Of course, she was fussier than he liked, but that was Marge. She insisted on the right kitchen curtains and he fished. When in its heyday, family members, fishing buddies and a myriad friends and neighbors streamed in and out. She made sure the kids always had three squares and no one ever left hungry or thirsty. Not a good swimmer, her goal every summer was to make it across the river. She was a good daughter-in-law and sister-in-law. She took our Grandma for groceries almost every week. She set Aunt Minnie's hair on Saturday nights. Trips to the cemetery to plant geraniums on the graves at St Cyril's are remembered, fondly. Her God and her church were important in her life and that faith filled her home. Sundays held no ironing or sewing. Churchgoing was mandatory. She was a member of St. Cyril's, Ladies Club and Holy Rosary Society. She was a devoted volunteer for CHOW for many years. She was a hard worker in the hall kitchen, traveled to choose the auction quilt and volunteered for Friday night bingo. Her life with Anton was traditional for that time. He went fishing on weekends, returning on Sunday to her famous mile high lemon meringue pie. She bowled on Friday nights at St Cyril's and later with Anton in a mixed league. They shared life for sixty-one years. They danced at weddings with him always complaining she wanted to lead. They sang duets as he played his banjo. There were the drives to Aunt Annie's on Sundays for Uncle Albert spaghetti. He called her "Magritz" in his thick Italian accent. Trips to Aunt Helen and Aunt Mary's were common. They shared joy, sadness, love and life. But it was her role as grandmother that defined her more than any other. If you look in the dictionary for the word "Grandmother," you will find a picture of Margaret Pratt. Her unrelenting love and devotion to her grandchildren was, in their words, "unparalleled." Be it be her time, money, advice, discipline, guidance or laughter they needed, it was provided. Memories of Easter egg hunts in the back yard, original bedtime stories spun by her and countless games in the kitchen abound in their heads. Christmas was presents, but also cookies, cookies everywhere! Her baking at holidays was epic. She was never hungry, just in case someone else might be with one remaining piece of pizza. She always put them first. Precious bingo games were swept aside for spur of the moment visits, early sleep put off until all were safe in the house and later her mantra at dinner time was, "Go buy whatever you want. I'll give you the money." Somewhat imperfect, we all agree that nobody gave a "dirty look" like Margaret, yet it was her capacity to love and forgive any and all of us, that in the end will be the marker of her life. Her willingness to change her opinions and attitudes for the love of her family was constant, her generosity unsparing. Her strength at the end was a sign of how she lived her life. She is forever in our hearts as mother, grandmother, friend. God Bless you Margie. "Her laugh was loose and young." -- Toni MorrisonA funeral Mass will be offered 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 11th, 2010, at St. Cyril & Method Church, Binghamton. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Walter D. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Inc., 45 Oak Street, Binghamton, NY Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from September 9 to September 10, 2010

CHOW Hunger Walk

Pledge packets available for CHOW walk



September 10, 2010, 7:55 am


Pledge envelopes are now available for walkers who want to participate in the 28th annual CHOW Hunger Walk Oct. 17 on the Binghamton University campus.

The annual event supports the Broome County Council of Churches’ Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. Pledge packets can be picked up at the Council of Churches at 3 Otseningo St. in Binghamton. Walkers are asked to call the Council of Churches at 724-9130 to pick up the packets. Council offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Registration for the 2.5-mile walk begins at 1 p.m. Oct. 17, with the walk kick off at 2 p.m. Refreshments, food and entertainment will follow. Anyone who collects at least $50 will get a free t-shirt.


The walk’s aim is to build up food inventories for the winter. The food is used to stock 30 local pantries.


— Jennifer Micale
 
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100910/NEWS01/100910010/Pledge+packets+available+for+CHOW+walk

Walkers for CHOW Hunger Walk



Volunteer Walkers Needed for CHOW Hunger Walk Oct. 17


Last Update: 9/09 9:59 am

From Broome County Council of Churches:
The 28th annual CHOW Hunger Walk of the Broome County Council of Churches, to be held Sunday, Oct. 17, has pledge envelopes available for volunteer walkers who want to raise money to help feed the hungry.
Walkers collect money from family, friends, church members and other supporters as they walk at Binghamton University to support this annual food drive for CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse). Pledge packets can be picked up at the Council of Churches at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, near the Tompkins Street Bridge and Webster Street on the city’s southeast side. Walkers are asked to call the Council of Churches at 724-9130 to pick up pledge packets. Council offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Demands for food are up about 25% this year and we need all the help we can get from walkers who support this critical community food event,” Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW program director said. “We’re counting on our walkers once again this year to help meet these demands.”
The Hunger Walk will be held as usual on the Binghamton University campus and will start at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 with registration, followed by a 2.5-mile walk around campus kicking off at 2 p.m. Refreshments, food, entertainment and children’s activities will follow the walk.
Walkers can bring the pledge packets and money they collect to the Hunger Walk. Anyone who collects at least $50. will get a free tee shirt. Several community groups, churches, youth groups and Binghamton University student groups usually participate. Much of the volunteer help at the walk comes from the University.
The purpose of the Hunger Walk is to help build up food inventories for the winter, typically a busy time of the year for CHOW. The food is used to stock 30 pantries located at churches and congregations spread across Broome County so those in need of food will not have to travel far to help feed their families. Each month CHOW provides food for about 3,000 people, with nearly half of them children.

Pepsi Grant



Broome County Council of Churches Competing for Pepsi Grant



Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) - A program that builds wheelchair ramps for people who depend on wheel chairs to get around may be able to continue if it secures a grant.


The Broome County Council of Churches built 13 wheelchair ramps and plans to build 13 more.
But they say, in order to do that, they will need a new truck and van.


They are competing against non-profits from all across the nation for a Pepsi Refresh grant.
The Council says the program is important to the community and that the $50,000 grant would be a big help.


"This program is really about Broome county. This is how people can show their support to set people free and their support in teaching kids a great skill and giving them something to hang onto in their own community," said Greg Jenkins from the Broome County Council of Churches.


To win the grant, the project will have to receive the most votes online.Voting will run through this month.


To vote for the wheel chair ramp project, visit refresheverything.com.
You can search for the project there.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"I am very new to BC3 as a volunteer and have found staff members on every level to be extrememly warm, friendly, accepting & sharing, thereby helping to make my experience both enjoyable & rewarding."

Shea Szachara, Administrative Volunteer for the Front Office

Friday, September 3, 2010

Weis Food Drive

Weis is holding drive for CHOW


September 3, 2010, 9:18 am


Weis Markets launched its Fight Hunger Food Drive in Broome County. The program, which runs through Oct. 2, will allow customers to donate shelf-stable products and make monetary contributions to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.


The program will also run in Weis Markets stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia and Elmira.


Customers can donate $3, $5 and $10 vouchers, which can be purchased at any cash register. All proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can fill in any gaps in their food supplies. Pre-filled Fight Hunger donation bags will also be available, containing pasta, sauce, fruit, vegetables, tuna, cereal and soup, for less than $7.


After customers purchase the foods they would like to donate, they can place the items in a specially-marked collection cart near checkout. Donors will be invited to place a “Fight Hunger” sticker on each store’s front window poster.


For more information on the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program, visit www.weismarkets.com or call Weis Markets Customer Service at (866) 999-WEIS.

— Jennifer Micale
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100903/NEWS01/100903020/Weis+is+holding+drive+for+CHOW

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Mudcat Grant Toast before the Tournament

A Toast Before Tournament


Originally printed at http://www.wbng.com/news/local/A-Toast-Before-Tournament-102033118.html



Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Golf and Baseball pros gear up for the 9th annual Jim "Mudcat" Grant All Star Golf Tournament.



On Thursday, 32 celebrities including 28 professional golfers will hit the green, along with 5 legendary African American Major League Baseball pitchers from the "Black Aces."



On Wednesday night, organizers held a toast at the Security Mutual building, thanking sponsors for their support.



"Tonight is really for the sponsors to thank them for their financial support to make this all occur. Of course, they get to bring their family and friends to meet all the celebrities," says Bill Boyer, of Security Mutual Life.



All proceeds from the tournament benefit local organizations, like Catholic Charities, Community Hunger Outreach Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton and the Broome County Urban League.



WBNG is a proud sponsor.

Our own Brendan O'Reilly will emcee the event.

9th Annual MudCat Grant Golf Tournament(Great Video of Mudcat mentioning CHOW)

The 9th annual Jim "Mudcat" Grant All-Star Golf Tournament is Thursday.






It will be held at the Links at Hiawatha Landing. Wednesday was a chance to highlight the help the tournament provides to area non-profits. This year, the annual event features about 30 celebrities including five of the Black Aces, who are African American baseball pitchers who won at least 20 games.



Mudcat Grant is one of them. Not only does he come every year, he also has a lot of great stories to tell. "History is really something because now I'm connected back to some of the charities that I've been involved with for years. I knew two nuns back in Cleveland. For signing autographs they used to give me holy water to beat the Yankees all the time. I'd rub it in. Whenever I lost, they would say, 'we give you another bottle.' I'm looking at CHOW. I remember my Mom used to send us fishing and we would have to catch fish and bring it back. She would clean it and then take sandwiches and feed people in the community. Here we are doing the same thing with CHOW."



As Mudcat just mentioned CHOW is one of the beneficiaries. As are the Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities and the Urban League.



Bruce Boyea, of Security Mutual, says, "We're also here financially to support four great organizations that are in town. I don't even like to use the word charity when I talk about the organizations, because of the work that you do each and every day. You clearly make this a better place to live and work."



Ed Blaine, of CHOW, says, "We're especially hit hard, as is Catholic Charities and even the other charities. With the economy the way it is, we're getting increasing demands for food. This type of event helps to remind people of that and helps us to kind of keep our shelves stocked so we don't have to turn anyone away."



There are 29 sponsors, including Security Mutual which spear-headed the golf tournament. Also Wednesday, the Black Aces and other celebrities went through area hospitals and nursing homes to visit people.
 
 View Video Here
 
View Article Here

Shop to End Hunger

Shop To End Hunger


Originally printed at http://www.wbng.com/news/state/Shop-To-End-Hunger-102015528.html



Town of Chenango, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Weis Markets take a stand against hunger in Broome County.



Weis is hosting a Fight Hunger Food Drive all throughout September.



Customers are encouraged to donate shelf-stable products to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse or CHOW.



All Weis locations in Broome County are participating.



You can pick up a list of the needed items when you come into the store and then drop them off in the collection cart when you check out.



Pre-filled Fight Hunger Donation bags are also available. They cost less than $7.00 and contain pasta, sauce, fruit, veggies, tuna, cereal and soup.



"This is an extra push. People are struggling in the economy and quite honestly CHOW is stretched to its limits and this is a great opportunity for us to do a drive with our customers," said David Neal, District Manager.



Weis hopes to donate $20,000 to CHOW by the end of the program.



The Fight Hunger drive runs through October 2.



You can still donate to CHOW at Weis every month of the year.

Weis Hunger Food Drive

Weis Markets Launches Month-Long Fight Hunger Food Drive

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010



(Sunbury, PA) – Weis Markets is launching its third annual Fight Hunger Food Drive, a month-long, chain-wide program offering customers an opportunity to donate shelf-stable products and make monetary donations to local food banks and emergency food providers.



Fight Hunger begins Wednesday, September 1 and runs through October 2. This program will run in Weis Markets stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia and in New York, where it is being launched for the first time in Binghamton.



“Since 2008, demand for emergency food service has significantly increased in the markets we serve,” said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets’ President and CEO. “Our Fight Hunger Food Drive gives our customers and associates a simple and effective way to support twelve food banks and the hundreds of emergency food providers they serve. As part of our Fight Hunger campaign, we will also be donating $200,000 to these food banks.”



Karen Buch, Weis Markets Director of Lifestyle Initiatives, added, “Fight Hunger offers our customers a variety of giving options. We have worked with food banks to compile a list of the shelf-stable foods they need most, including: cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.”



Customers also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers which can be purchased at any Weis Markets’ cash register. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can easily fill in any gaps in their food supplies. A convenient pre-filled Fight Hunger Donation Bag will also be available at stores, containing pasta, sauce, fruit, vegetables, tuna, cereal and soup — all for less than seven dollars.



After customers purchase the foods they would like to donate, they can simply place the items in a specially-marked collection cart near checkout. Donors will be invited to place a “Fight Hunger” sticker on each store’s front window poster.



The Fight Hunger Food Drive will benefit: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, PA; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg); The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Williamsport); The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, PA); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira); Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, NJ); and Mountaineer Food Bank (West Virginia).



More information on the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program and its partner food banks is available through Weis Markets Customer Service at (866)999-WEIS.



ABOUT WEIS MARKETS

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets marked its 98th year of continuous operation in May. It currently operates 164 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia. For more information about Weis Markets, Inc., please visit www.weismarkets.com or visit Weis Markets’ Facebook fan page.

http://www.weismarkets.com/weis-markets-launches-month-long-fight-hunger-food-drive-2/

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"I have worked on the last 2 "Ramp It Up" projects with adults & youth from my church.  I enjoyed seeing the residents of the homes watch their new ramps being built."

Ramp It Up Youth Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I forgot a pick-up, but caught up with the client at her MD apt. to take her home.  Her attitude - one of forgiveness and grace - made me have a glimpse of true kindness and forgiveness."

A Faith in Action and CHOW Volunteer for the Council

Volunteer Quote

"The work of BCCC (& in particular FIA) is most worth and I'm glad of the opportunity to contribute."

Gail Reeder, Faith in Action Volunteer

Mudcat Grant Golf Tournament

9th Annual Jim Mudcat Grant All-Star Golf Tournament



Last Update: 8/31 2:33 pm

From the Office of the Mayor:

On Wednesday, September 1, at 9:30 a.m., at Security Mutual Life Building located at Court and Exchange Streets, 2nd Floor, Mayor Matthew Ryan along with legendary Black Aces member and two-time Baseball All-Star Jim “Mudcat” Grant—together with top athletes from across the country—will kick off the 9th annual Jim Mudcat Grant All-Star Golf Tournament. Presented by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and The Black Aces,* the tournament benefits four local organizations: The Broome County Urban League, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Binghamton, Catholic Charities of Broome County, and the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW).

View Article Here