I loved having family in town all last week - it wasn't nearly as stressful as I had anticipated. But I am really excited to have finally started establishing a plan to help C-CAP on a (hopefully) larger scale. I have been making calls around town to find out who would be willing to have donation boxes to collect non-perishables for the C-CAP food pantry. I am trying to make it as easy as possible. I provide a decorated box. I pick up the contents as needed or after a week or two. I am hoping to get enough responses that we can rotate 4 boxes around town. I don't want them to get so common in one location that they aren't noticeable. Here are my responses so far:
Martin's Food: Spoke with the manager, John - he called it a solicitation and refused to have a box set up. Seriously? Solicitation? I can't wait until Target gets fresh food . . . I didn't put a curse on his business but I was definitely surprised at the flat out refusal. Maybe I should let corporate know that they should change their "living here giving here" slogan to something a little more appropriate. 
Samuels Public Library: Spoke with Betty - very sweet and understanding. She put me through to the director's voice mail (Nicki Lynch) and I left a detailed message. I only expect great things from the library! They have always been so receptive with the MOMS Club. Update: Received return call from Nicki Lynch. She definitely wants a box set up and decided that 2 weeks would be a good length to have it. I mentioned that I wanted to rotate them around town and she agreed that it would be a good idea. I love it when people are so nice and helpful!
Gold's Gym: Spoke with Holly - very positive response. She needs to clear it with the General Manager who is out until Monday. But she took down my information and will get back to me. I think it helped that I assured her I had lots of friends who were members and they were all telling me that Gold's Gym would gladly support the community.
Blue Ridge Barber Shop (on South Street): Spoke with Rhonda. She was definitely interested in having a box there. She was concerned about the size of the box but I assured her that it wouldn't be large and that I would pick up as needed. I have my first "Yes" and I am hoping to get a box over tomorrow. Bring on the Elmer's glue!
Front Royal Federal Credit Union (on South Street): Left Message and received return call from Joseph. He put me through to Kim Darr (the CEO/President) who was very sweet and suggested putting boxes at both locations. She just asked that I get a letter from C-CAP on their letterhead that I am working with them and that the donations will be going to them.
My wonderful phone is acting up and people are having a hard time hearing me. So I have reverted back to my old phone. But my darling children have refrained from asking questions and hanging off my legs for long enough so I will start back up again later. I would love suggestions for other locations! On my list I have Wal-mart, McAlister's Deli, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and local restaurants (although no specifics yet).
On a totally random note - as I was typing this up - a reporter from the Warren Sentinel called and wants to do a story on this blog. How exciting! We will be meeting tomorrow to do the interview and I am completely nervous. I am glad for the publicity that this will bring to C-CAP and I am glad that I have already secured some places for donation boxes. This will help spread the word. A big thanks to Julie Morton for setting it all up!
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