The Sarah Diaries: Give Thanks & Pay It Forward

You might call it a random act of kindness, paying it forward, building up Karma points, or just giving thanks – whatever you decide to call it, this time of year brings out the best (at least I like to think so) in many of us. An opportunity to help our neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends.
Think about it, we are just over a week away from Thanksgiving! A day that’s filled with family, food, friends, football, and stretchy pants! Something we can all be thankful for!
What if though, through no fault of your own, you found yourself struggling to feed your children and yourself – not just on during the holiday, but every day? Where would you go? How would you find help?
That’s when we can all be a little more thankful for the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, and our sister station 97.5 Y-Country. This week marks the 20th Annual Stuff-A-Truck Foodraiser at Roger’s Foodland to help restock the pantry and the shelves of the SMCAA. They feed THOUSANDS of people, and families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Families that otherwise, might not have a chance to put food on the table. Families that could be your neighbor, friend, family member, coworker, etc… Truthfully, it’s more than just food they need. Take a second and think about ALL the things you use on a daily basis… toothpaste, detergent, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, toilet paper, napkins, etc… I’ve included a sample list below.
This isn’t the only service the SMCAA provides, it’s also provides emergency assistance for past due utilities, rent and transportation, housing weatherization and energy education, a shelter for women and families, poverty simulation workshops, bridge out of poverty programs, and more!
If you have time, take a few minute and head to Roger’s Foodland this week, say hi to my friends at 97.5 Y-Country and the SMCAA, they’ll be there 6a-7p through Friday, and 8-10a on Saturday. Roger’s Foodland has pre-packaged bags you can purchase if you only have a few minutes, you can buy a few extra things while you’re grocery shopping, bring in in-date non-perishable food items & personal hygiene products, or donate money. It easy, and it goes a long way!
Suggested Items:
Baking products: Flour, salt, sugar, boxed mixes, baking powder/baking soda
Boxed Items: Cereal, oatmeal, mac & cheese, ramen
Canned Items: Soups, stews (with pull tab openers!), veggies, fruit
Personal products: Deodorant, toothpaste, detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, feminine products
Paper products: Toilet paper, napkins/paper towel, aluminum foil, plastic wrap
Baby products: DIAPERS!! Wipes, food & formula!! (These are the youngest members of these families – we can’t forget about them!)
To learn more about Stuff-A-Truck: 97.5 Y-Country, SMCAA
Gobble, Gobble!
-Sarah