During this time of giving thanks, we, here at the Capital Area Food Bank, are so thankful to the many community members that responded to our needs and provided food donations over the past year. We received donations from individuals, offices, religious organizations, area schools, and many other organizations just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Monday, November 22nd, I had the pleasure of leaving my desk to accompany volunteers to pick up a donation from the Project Performance Corporation located in McLean, VA. When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff and a room full of food- yes, an entire room filled with food! After about 3 solid hours of packing food and moving it onto waiting trucks, we were exhausted! The donation came to a total of 17,663 pounds! This donation will allow us to provide over 17,000 meals to individuals and families in the metropolitan area.
(pictures provided by Brian Domenici, PPC)
The organizer of the food drive, Mike Fleckenstein, provides a summary of their annual Turkey Day food drive: “For the eighth consecutive year, Project Performance Corporation (PPC), an environmental and information technology management consulting firm, has run its annual Turkey Day food drive to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. Each year PPC divides the company’s employees into teams that compete to win points by donating food. The teams log their points into a web application where they closely track the status of donations. The competition incorporates several ‘bonus rounds’ during which teams can earn additional points toward winning the competition, while simultaneously donating those foods that are most in demand by the food bank. This year PPC donated more than 19,000 items to CAFB. This competitive food drive not only helps the needy but fosters a corporate culture that brings the company’s employees together and raises the company spirit during the holiday season. In the future, PPC would love to include other companies in this competition. The more competition, the more the CAFB benefits!”
It was really great to meet the participants and hear their stories. It was evident that they look forward to the food drive every year, since it allows them to display their competitive and creative spirit! Not only do they have a chance to provide food to those in need, but they have a blast doing it!
Thanks to all of our donors, many of our community members will a bountiful thanksgiving meal!