RECOGNIZING
THE NEED,
BECOMING A PART OF THE SOLUTION :
By Marti Forman,
CEO
Thinking of opening a can for dinner tonight? You're not alone. For countless
Americans, a garbage can replaces a refrigerator or kitchen pantry. It is within
the garbage pail that the next meal is found. At The Cooperative Feeding Program,
we believe that providing food to hungry people is our civic duty. It is also
at the core of what many of us have learned in our religious study-that no one
should go hungry. Across America and right here in Broward County, the need for
free and low cost food is far greater than what local food pantries can deliver.
Sending away hungry people without providing them food is more than a rare occurrence
at local pantries. Like each of you, we have been hit by the high cost of utilities,
impossible insurance rates, and an inability to afford to hire laborers to do
simple maintenance and repair work. Simply finding that a piece of kitchen equipment
needs to be retired and replaced is enough to disrupt our plans for financial
stability on any given month. Many non profits wonder how we will all keep going
when we too are facing the higher costs of living, while at the same time seeing
our donors unable to send us their monthly check of support. As more people turn
to us for help, we seek ways to be able to afford to serve them, rather than turn
them away. Your financial support, during these hard economic times, can help
us keep pace with the growth in hunger in our community. Many, many things have
to happen before we can slam the lid on hunger in Broward. The reality is that
without you we can't even try to keep pace with the current levels. A steady stream
of elderly people are lining up here for services. They are new customers for
us- a demographic shift in need. We invite you to come by and see what we see
seven days a week. What we are seeing shouldn't happen anywhere in the world and
we certainly can't allow it to continue here in our county of great prosperity
and rich resources. Become a part of our anti hunger team. Participation is simple.
It starts with writing us a check. If the economic pinch is impacting you, come
in and volunteer to answer our phones and greet those who are waiting to be helped.
There's always something you can do to make a difference. Call us at 944-792-2EAT.
FOOD
DRIVE APPEAL
STAYWELL
HEALTH PLAN OF FLORIDA leads
the way as the Cooperative Feeding Program provides over 1,000 backpacks to children
as they prepare to return to school. Staywell Health Plan along with HealthEase,
Sunshine Cathedral, Macy's, Calvary Chapel, Jarden Consumer Solutions, Office
Depot, Target, St Pauls Lutheran Church, Christine Clark-Hawkes Bluff Elementary
School, Mary Adas and Rusty Kenny provided children not only with the back packs
but school supplies were also included. Many thanks to our back packs and school
supply partners, what you did for these kids is priceless.
HOLY
CROSS HOSPITAL
Holy
Cross Hospital's Administrative team prepares for their Serving and Service team
building day at the Cooperative Feeding Program. Each morning the CFP food kitchen
and the volunteer team serves over 300 meals to hungry and needy individuals,
families and kids over the course of the 9-11 serving period. For many this meal
is their only meal of the day and CFP Chef Vicki puts together a well balanced
meal.
If your socially conscious business or company would like to inquire
about this great team building opportunity contact us at 954-792. 2328 or Scott@Feedingbroward.org.
SPECIAL
EVENT - Paradise Found "A Change in Latitude Party"
You saved the
date - Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 - now get your tickets today!
Click
Here for Details
-
The Cooperative Feeding Programs Annual Fund Raiser this year is, Paradise
Found, Changes In Latitude Party, hosted by SunDream Yacht Charters, Inc.
The date and Location is; Friday, October 13th, 2006, 6:30 to 10:30 PM.
The ticket price is $150.00 per person tax deductible donation.
-
A Cocktail party ,featuring an upscale menu with an open bar and silent auction
dockside; 6:30-8PM, dinner and live entertainment by Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways
(Jimmy Buffet style of Cool tunes with a Tropical Twist) and dancing during a
short cruise, from 8 - 10:00 PM from their Ft. Lauderdale departure and return
to their dock location behind the Doubletree Suites Hotel on Sunrise Blvd.on the
intercostal.
Tickets
and sponsorship can be obtained by emailing Scott Woodburn, Development Director,
Scott@feedingbroward.org
,by calling 954-629-7381 or by going on line, www.feedingbroward.org,
click on events.
GIRL
POWER!
 When
Katherine age 6 and Sarah age 4 met a homeless man, the girls were full of questions
and very concerned, and asked what they could do to help. Making a connection
with the Cooperative Feeding Program stemmed from their concern and their desire
to share what they have with others. Recently, the girls asked their birthday
party guests to bring donations of school supplies, food and hygiene products
for CFP in lieu of presents for themselves. The response to the birthday party
request was heartwarming and resulted in 8 big boxes of various items for the
customers of CFP. One parent enclosed a generous monetary donation and attached
a note thanking Katherine and Sarah for inspiring important conversations with
her children about the value of giving. That family plans to include charitable
giving in all of their family celebrations from now on. Accordingly, the Manger
of Volunteer Services at CFP has nominated the girls for the "Heroes in Training-
Making a difference in Our Community" award and won 2nd place. Great job girls,
and thank you for making a difference in our community.
Survey
Says……We Love CFP!
Recently,
a survey was added to the emergency food boxes we distribute, asking our customers
to tell us how we can better serve them. Initial results show that our customers
have great need. One woman writes, "I have 7 children and my husband, and it's
hard for me sometimes to provide for my family, but you guys on the other hand
help out a lot. Only my husband works, none of my children work and with all the
bills we have to pay it is so hard." Many continue to ask for hygiene items like
toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoos, sanitary supplies and diapers. When asked
about the service they receive at CFP, the responses are overwhelmingly positive.
Gregory writes, "The service is fast and efficient and the staff and volunteers
are kind and courteous. " If you are interested in volunteering or donated items
to CFP, please call Liliana Imamovic, Volunteers & Special Events Manager at (954)792-2328
or e-mail her at Liliana@FeedingBroward.org.
SPECIAL
NEEDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
With the Holiday season approaching
the Cooperative Feeding program has it's back up against the wall as CFP prepares
to serve over 5,000 during the holiday season.
Volunteers will
be a key as we need help responding to the ton of phone calls (9-12 Monday through
Friday), Handing out the food boxes, drivers are needed for home deliveries to
shutins, servers for the food kitchen and help stocking the pantry are vital to
our addressing the challenge of taking care of the less fortunate during the November-December
holiday season.
Your gift checks are always appreciated but if
you can't write a check consider GIFT CARDS rom your local PUBLIX Supermarket.
Publix Gift Cards 10, $15, $20 and more will buy the Trukeys and Hams for the
Thanksgiving meals for the hungry and less fortunate. Those who collect in excess
of $500 worth of holiday food cards will have their name listed in our holiday
honor role in the next newsletter. This can be a great project for clubs, businesses,
civic groups, individuals and schools. Food donations are also welcome.
Gifts of Food is a tradition and will certainly supplement what the pantry
can provide
Your gifts and the giving of yourself will make all the difference
in the world. Cal us today @ 954.792.2328.
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