Some things turn out as planned, and some, turn out even better. Last month when I casually tweeted a friend who works for Coyne Public Relations (the PR company who does pro bono work for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey) to tell her that I’d like to organize a blogging campaign to spread awareness about the FoodBank and their need for donations, I had no idea that in just a few short weeks, we’d have over 100 bloggers ready and willing to make this campaign a reality.
The folks at the FoodBank and Coyne PR have continually thanked me for my efforts. What they don’t know, is that I’m the one who should be thanking them. I know this sounds trite, but its very true. The eagerness of the bloggers I have contacted and the resulting posts that I have been reading and will be reading all day, has been so moving and inspiring. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and that, my friends, is what giving is all about.
The political bloggers have come together in a bi-partisan effort to reach their readers and urge them to make a difference. The Mommy Bloggers are relaying their messages to other concerned Moms. The Food bloggers are dishing their posts to food lovers all over New Jersey. We’ve got history blogs, music blogs, humor blogs, real estate blogs, community blogs and online news sites. Today, the blogosphere carries a lot of clout. The participants of this campaign are speaking personally to their loyal readers, their fans. This is a very powerful form of communication. I am hoping we are successful in compelling our readers to take action now!
I took action yesterday. My family and I made a trip to our local Shoprite with our list of items in hand for our donation to St. Gregory’s Pantry in Point Pleasant Beach. I was surprised and pleased to see a poster of Bruce outside the store with a list of suggested items for purchase to assist the “We Can’t Let This Bank Fail” campaign, very cool. The boyfriend, kids and I split up and quickly filled our list. When we arrived at St. Gregory’s it was a buzz with activity. High School students and seniors were carrying toys, skateboards and all kinds of donations as part of their “Toys for Infants through Teens” campaign.My boys got to see and feel for themselves what its like to be a part of an organized campaign to help children just like them. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this one experience is going to change them for life, but it was a start and something I will need to keep encouraging and nurturing through my own involvement.
So, what can you do? It doesn’t get any easier, truly.
Donate food: Drop off a bag of food at your local food pantry.
Organize a food drive: We can help explain the logistics of starting a food drive. Just call 908-355-FOOD.
Help “Check Out Hunger:” Look for the “Check Out Hunger” coupons at your local supermarket and donate. No donation is too small!
If I haven’t been compelling enough. If I have not convinced you that the need is real and desperate, please take a look at this video. There is no denying the empty shelves and the testimonies from employees who have never seen it so bad. And, please, visit some or all of the great blogs listed below. We also have some information on food drop off points below. Things seem to be coming in by the minutes, so I will be updating throughout the day. Hey, and if you’re a Fellow Tweet you can now Follow the FoodBank on Twitter.
The Cape May County Herald has become a drop off location for the New Jersey Food Bank and has promised a yummy goodie suprise from the shore to a random child that emails a picture of their collection and themselves on day of donation.
Monday, December 15th, 2008,
by Deborah Smith, Executive Editor and is filed under "Charity, Events ".
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This is such a great idea!
Morristown Pedal Pushers
thanks for organizing this blogging campaign. Hopefully, the help will extend beyond the holiday season.
You really have gone above and beyone! Great job.
Grammar school, you don’t think I know that? Watch out, or I’ll start to talk about “The Champ” and Friendly’s…
Well played, Deb. – John
I just discovered this blog after learning that you played such an instrumental role in supporting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Thank you for doing the work of the angels. You will be in my prayers tonight. God bless.
I blogged today for hunger!!
http://inthedailies.blogspot.com/2008/12/we-cant-let-this-bank-fail.html
Great job – I hadn’t known about how dire the situation was until Kendra directed me here. Count me in!
http://www.k8et.com
Job well done.
What can anyone do to help, I cant give a bunch but i sure can spread the word.
let me know what is need for help.
tk
I posted on it at the NJ Voices http://blog.nj.com/njv_fausta_wertz/2008/12/in_support_of_the_community_fo.html and at my blog http://faustasblog.com/?p=8495
Hey there…I’ve read about this on a few blogs, and now today int the Home Tribune. I too did a post about the NJ Food Bank just before Thanksgiving.
http://jerseystylephotography.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/retorting-and-refilling-the-bank/
Please add my photography blog, JerseyStylePhotography.wordpress.com to your list.
Mark from JerseyStyle Photography