Goodwill partners with Customers to Feed Hungry

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Goodwill “Pack the Pantry” Campaign Helps Local Food Banks Statewide

Goodwill Industries of Kansas and its customers helped stock the shelves of food pantries across the state with more than 3,500 meals following the two week “Pack the Pantry” drive, held at the 19 Goodwill stores in June. More than 1,500 meals were donated by Goodwill customers and the local nonprofit added 1,200 meals to reach the grand total.

“Summer is always a busy time for the Kansas Food Bank and our partner agencies. When kids are out of school that means more meals families have to put on the table,” Kansas Food Banks’ Community Relations Manager Debi Kreutzman said. “Food drives help us ensure that our food pantry partners have adequate supplies to meet the increased need. We are very thankful for Goodwill stepping forward this summer to help collect food and raise awareness of hunger.”

Customers donated nonperishable items in stores across the state and were offered a coupon for 10% off their entire in-store Goodwill purchase. Donations remained in the communities they were donated, statewide, in order to help food banks restock during summer months when donations are less plentiful.

“We are often able to help with situations where there is a need for clothing,” Goodwill Industries’ Vice President of Marketing & Development Molly Fox said. “We are actively seeking additional ways to give back in the communities we have stores; when we learned of the need for food, it was clear this was an effort we could all support.”

About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division. More than 1,200 adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through the NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and Wichita Area Technical College. These programs are supported by 19 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks.