Updates+Mike+Garner+10062010

Advisors: We are now 14 days (excluding weekends) into our Student Food Drive. Some schools are reporting slow starts, while others are well into their collections! I would like to hear from each of you by Wednesday of next week as to how your school is progressing, just as a "midterm" status report; it can be brief and would best be emailed to me rather than posted here to protect confidentiality of the information. My email address is mgarner@feedingamerica.org

Reminders:
 * Loading day/Awards Day is Thursday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m. I sent out a schedule of loading day times; if you are unclear about your time or have questions, please call me. Keep in mind that at least one box must be brought in on October 28 to qualify for awards available. (Preferably, all food collections should come in on that day, but I realize sometimes it is necessary to bring some dropoffs early.) Again, awards range from $ 500 for first place in each division (based upon number of pounds per student) to $ 150 for third place. Also, a documented Creative Event can be in the running for a $ 250 award.
 * Boxes are still available at our site in Asheville, and I ask that any local Buncombe County Schools pick up boxes (first come, first served until the supply is exhausted) at our warehouse at 623 Swannanoa River Road (where the kickoff was held, for those who made that event). Students should bring collections in, packaged in the boxes.
 * I realize that the 75,000 Tyson goal is a stretch commitment; while I am still in hopes that the students will hit that target, be reassured that the awards day will focus on their success, regardless of whether that goal is reached or not!
 * I ask that in the spirit of sportsmanship, schools participate in the awards event regardless of whether your school will/will not be likely to receive an award. It's a good wrap-up, our means to thank the students and a good motivator for 2011.
 * Please don't ignore the Virtual Food Drives that have been set up for each school. If you don't know how to use it, or have questions about how that will be wrapped into your poundage totals, please call me at 828-299-3663 x253. In short, this is a way for someone to give money that then is converted into poundage.
 * Use your community colleges and universities as you see fit; they can be a great addition to the food collections from the high school, middle school and elementary school.
 * Walgreen's wants to partner with schools in their store service areas. Some of you have been contacted by Debbie Scavelli of Walgreen's already.
 * This is a great time to contact businesses in your area and establish partnerships. There is still time for a business to offer a discount based upon bringing in x number of cans, and adding that to your school district's results!
 * Remember that if you are starting to have the enviable problem of too many collections and nowhere to put them, call Go-Minis, who may provide a free storage unit, setup and delivery. Robie at Go-Minis is the contact.
 * I am still available to talk to any school gathering; just let me know specifics and I will make every effort to be at your school!