Posted by Michelle Mullaly on Dec 18, 2017
Pack the Bus a HUGE Success!
 
Despite the freezing cold temperatures, our first “Pack the Bus” food drive was a big success! Honestly, it was the most amazing and special week that I personally have had in a long time. A special thank you to those who braved the weather – Raquel Raderchek, Bob Matthews, Bob Pattison, Amanda Tietze, Bill Liber, Drew Pelger, Bruce Hale, Adrian Allison, and Lauri and Barb!
 
We collected enough food to feed 100 families from three schools: Allen Elementary, Gibbs Elementary and Belden Elementary as well as stock the pantry at Allen for the upcoming months.
 
We received donations of hats and gloves and also received nearly $1050 in monetary donations, so we were able to purchase clothing items. Those, along with 16 coats, were given to Allen Elementary. The following was purchased and given to Gibbs Elementary: 32 coats, 6 pairs of shoes, 50 hats, 40 pairs of gloves, 8 pairs of pants, 8 shirts and numerous pairs of underwear and socks. When we presented them at Gibbs, their staff person had tears in her eyes and said, “You have no idea what this means to these families.” She also said when the families came in to pick up the food for the two-week break, they said “These people are true Christmas Angels.”
 
It is thrilling to know that just a few hours of hard work and some extremely generous individuals can change the lives of so many. Thank you all who volunteered or donated. I know I truly felt the spirit of the holiday as well as the spirit of Rotary.
 
Happy Holidays to you all and see you in January!