Thanksgiving. Roasted turkey. Mashed potatoes. Pumpkin pie. A time for families to gather around the table. For some of our community members, though, the table is empty and the holidays can be a harsh reminder of the challenges of hunger and food scarcity. I am thankful that our local food pantry Community Food Share helps to ease that burden. I am also grateful that MOD Moms has developed a partnership that enables even the smallest kiddos, like my little guy, to volunteer and give back to the community that gives us so much.
Next week, we all have the chance to help Community Food Share promote their largest annual food drive — the “Let’s Bag Hunger” campaign in area grocery stores November 15th – 25th.
I spoke with MOD Mom Laurie Cook who is helping to mobilize MOD Mom greeters.
Why do you think this event is important?
I feel that Community Food Share (CFS) is an important organization all year long as they strive to ensure that all people in Boulder and Broomfield Counties are food secure. CFS collects donated food from many sources. They sort, package and distribute food to local nonprofits that in turn distribute food to their clients, free of charge. CFS also operates an in-house client distribution program. The “Let’s Bag Hunger” Event, which we have been asked to assist with as greeters, is CFS’ largest annual food drive and requires many volunteers. I feel that as we begin the holiday season, shopping to buy food for our own Thanksgiving and Holiday meals, we need to remember that not everyone in Boulder and Broomfield Counties is as fortunate as we are. I think this event is important as it allows us to give back to our community as we give thanks for all we have. This opportunity is also great as it is one that children can easily participate in along side their parent(s).
How do you think volunteering benefits kids?
My parents volunteered and expected my sister and I to do the same. I have the same expectation for my 10 year old son, Jack. I think that children receive many benefits from volunteering. It teaches them to be grateful for what they have. It lets them know that the world is bigger than their home, their neighborhood and their school. It makes them understand the feeling of community as they interact with and impact others. It provides them with learning experiences they might otherwise not have. They learn responsibility and gain a sense of accomplishment. How good will they feel to know that thanks to them some local families will have food on their tables during the holidays?
What kind of commitment does it involve for families?
If families are interested in participating as Greeters for the “Let’s Bag Hunger” Campaign, they need to contact Nina at CFS at 303-652-3663 ex 202. The campaign runs from November 15th through November 25th. Each time slot is 2.5 hours. As a Greeter, you and your children will hand out grocery bags to shoppers as they enter the store while saying something like “Please consider donating to Community Food Share’s Food Drive as you shop today.” The bag will have a printed list of items needed.
Who can do it?
Parents and children. It will be up to the parent to decide if she feels her child is old enough to participate.
Why is it important to you to help MOD Moms in our philanthropy efforts?
Because to me, volunteering is a responsibility for all of us and who better to do it with than the wonderful moms and kids of MOD Moms.
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HOW YOU AND YOUR KIDS CAN HELP
Our role is to be “Greeters” at participating grocery stores.
Weekends and evenings are most important for staffing volunteers, but anytime you are available is helpful.
Weekday evening time slot is 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday time slots are: 9:00 am-11:30 am, 11:30 am- 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Please contact either Sue or Nina at Community Food Share (303-652-3663 ex 202) let them know that you are part of the MOD Moms team, tell them your preferred location, date and time. They will do their best to accommodate your schedule.
Participating Stores
Niwot Market 79th & Niwot Rd. Niwot
King Soopers Gunbarrel 6560 Lookout Rd. Gunbarrel
Lucky’s Market 3960 N. Broadway Boulder
Alfalfa’s Broadway & Arapahoe Boulder
King Soopers Sunrise 30th & Arapahoe Boulder
King Soopers Table Mesa & Broadway Boulder
King Soopers 1375 S. Boulder Rd. Louisville
Alfalfa’s 785 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville
King Soopers 287 & Baseline Lafayette
King Soopers 120th & Sheridan Broomfield
King Soopers 287 & Miramonte Broomfield
