It Starts With a Vision: Carmel Rotary's Commitment to Relieve Hunger
Posted by Lisa Gold
Have you ever wondered how big projects get started? What began as a holiday seasonal activity to help raise funds for our local community, has become a year-long commitment to the collection and delivery of food to local Putnam County food pantries. On December 14, 2008, Rotarian George Knoechel, began a program that has made a difference in the food supply for Putnam County. In ten months, $37,000 worth of food has been collected and delivered to four food pantries: Putnam Community Action Program (CAP), Gilead Presbyterian Church, Brewster Community Food Pantry, and St. John the Evangelist Church.
George Knoechel's plan was simple but highly effective: George contacted the management at Carmel ShopRite Supermarket, and asked them to place food collection boxes in the store. ShopRite agreed to make announcements reminding shoppers about donating food.
The store also gave out lists to help people select items that are needed. Now, every two days, a Carmel Rotarian picks up the food and delivers it to one of the pantries. Food collections also come from Golds Gym in Carmel. The owner, Peter Picca, a Carmel Rotarian, has been a helpful supporter of the program.
Besides the daily food collection, there were 3 "Fill the Truck" days at ShopRite. A tractor trailer truck was opened to receive donations from the public on these days. The first collection day happened in March 2009, and raised $4500 worth of food. Later, in October, another $8000 of food was donated, during a carnival atmosphere of raffles, Irish step dancing, and concessions for the public.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross helped Rotarians by providing a truck to transfer the large amount of food from ShopRite to the pantries.
Enthusiasm for "Fill The Truck" spread to local schools. Carmel High School students and others brought in food donations collected at schools, and students were on site to help out during the day. Carmel Rotarians handed out flyers and "thank you's" as shoppers entered the store. The ShopRite staff was there to help with the heavy lifting, and to keep things running smoothly.
Everything began with the passion and vision of one Rotarian and his club. That enthusiasm led to many local organizations working together to fill a true need in the community. The Rotary Club of Carmel received an award from the Putnam Community Service Network. The Fred L. Dill Community Service Networking Award was given to Carmel Rotary, ShopRite Supermarket, CAP, Gilead Presbyterian Church, St. John the Evangelist Church, and the Brewster Community Food Pantry for the group effort in helping local residents in need.
The Rotary Club of Carmel is grateful to George Knoechel for organizing a new way for club members to offer "Service Above Self".
The store also gave out lists to help people select items that are needed. Now, every two days, a Carmel Rotarian picks up the food and delivers it to one of the pantries. Food collections also come from Golds Gym in Carmel. The owner, Peter Picca, a Carmel Rotarian, has been a helpful supporter of the program.
Besides the daily food collection, there were 3 "Fill the Truck" days at ShopRite. A tractor trailer truck was opened to receive donations from the public on these days. The first collection day happened in March 2009, and raised $4500 worth of food. Later, in October, another $8000 of food was donated, during a carnival atmosphere of raffles, Irish step dancing, and concessions for the public.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross helped Rotarians by providing a truck to transfer the large amount of food from ShopRite to the pantries.
Enthusiasm for "Fill The Truck" spread to local schools. Carmel High School students and others brought in food donations collected at schools, and students were on site to help out during the day. Carmel Rotarians handed out flyers and "thank you's" as shoppers entered the store. The ShopRite staff was there to help with the heavy lifting, and to keep things running smoothly.
Everything began with the passion and vision of one Rotarian and his club. That enthusiasm led to many local organizations working together to fill a true need in the community. The Rotary Club of Carmel received an award from the Putnam Community Service Network. The Fred L. Dill Community Service Networking Award was given to Carmel Rotary, ShopRite Supermarket, CAP, Gilead Presbyterian Church, St. John the Evangelist Church, and the Brewster Community Food Pantry for the group effort in helping local residents in need.
The Rotary Club of Carmel is grateful to George Knoechel for organizing a new way for club members to offer "Service Above Self".