Updates+Mike+Garner+09282010

Now that we're approaching the end of the second week of the six week MANNAfest Student Food Drive, I am getting reports from some schools that they are already having success in collecting food toward our 75,000 pound goal! I won't breach the secrecy involved by providing any particulars, I just wanted to make you aware that if you haven't started or don't have your plans in place to help reach the goal, you're falling behind! You have just until October 28, Loading Day, to complete your collections.


 * Please shoot me an email at mgarner@feedingamerica.org or call me at 828-299-3663 x 253 and let me know how it's going at your school and if I can be of assistance (e.g., having me come to your school to speak with a certain student organization that is pivotal to your success, witnessing a Creative Event, etc!)**

Congrats to Angela Cannon and her students at Erwin High for being judged Best Skit, a tough win over the fine performances by Owen High and AC Reynolds High!

Keep in mind the additional awards to be won-- most food collected per student and the best Creative Event (that must be well documented and submitted on the form in your Advisor Packet).

We have had one county school system drop out and are in the discussions with one other county school system to hopefully take its place!

I have noted that there are a number of elementary schools having Fall Festivals and Fairs this month. If you are letting them send in their food by not connecting with them, you are losing out on some poundage that may have been collected in your district! Be sure that the schools in your district know about the Mannafest Student Food Drive and to contact your student advisor at the high school should they be doing any food drive. And if they're not tying in a food drive with their festivals, you may motivate them to do just that with a simple contact. As these schools interface with me, I am suggesting that they call the student advisor at their district's High School.

We continue to have boxes at our warehouse at 623 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville-- free for the taking! Please don't take more than your school needs, as that makes it harder on other schools who have the same need.

We have a few "can costumes" available at our warehouse should your school wish to pick some up-- first come, first served and supplies are limited!

One advisor asked an astute question about Virtual Food Drives and whether they are tax-deductible. Obviously, your best answer would come from a tax professional, but the rule of thumb is that if the donor receives nothing of value in return, that donation is tax-deductible. However, if the donor receives anything of value (e.g., a discounted ticket or an item) that affects the tax deductibility.

Another advisor questioned if the poundage from the Virtual Food Drive will count toward the poundage. We are certainly including that in our School Competition totals; we are also counting on Tyson to see that in the same manner. (Sometimes best to ask forgiveness than permission, as you know!)

Please remember I am a resource throughout this MANNAfest Student Food Drive.