Hey Everyone!
Spring is FINALLY here! The sun is out, the snow is gone (better be!), and the flowers held on through the cold snaps. This is my first Spring with GleanKY and I am excited to see our peak season begin and see the Rapid Response calls come in. Soon I will be going on my first gleaning trip and will report on that. In the meantime, let’s talk about thinking out of the box.
Supporting your favorite nonprofit doesn’t have to be only donating online or volunteering. I wasn’t always working with nonprofits or in development. When I started working for some of the ones I volunteered with, I was surprised by the creative ways that people of the community showed their support. There have been many times I wanted to support a local charity, but didn’t have the time or the money to make a donation I thought mattered (which was silly since EVERY donation matters!).
If you understand where I am coming from, or just want a change in routine, then this post is for you. Here are a few unique ways to help GleanKY!
Spring Cleaning and Yard Sales
Clean out the closet and dust off the stuff that has been collecting over time. Yard sales are a great way to raise money for your favorite charity. You don’t even have to donate all of the proceeds, just a percentage. Plus, who would haggle with someone who says all proceeds go to charity?
Plant an extra row for GleanKY
If monetary giving is not your thing (or cleaning), that is fine too. Several of our supporters have a green thumb and wish to give produce to our program. While planning your summer garden, plot an extra row to be donated. Throughout the summer, GleanKY can answer your calls to pick up produce. This is one of the best ways to get the community involved in our mission.
Break open the piggy bank or donate from your coin jar
With GleanKY, any donation matters. From $1 to beyond, every donation has an impact. A donation can come from the bottom of your purse, literally. Coins that fall to the bottom of your bag can add up to a generous donation that may have seemed impossible at the time.
This is also a great way to teach children social responsibility and charitable giving. Many have piggy banks of their own and wish to spend it on something they want or to help others. Let them learn about all sorts of nonprofits in the area. They may not choose GleanKY, and it may seem like a simple lesson, but that lesson will stick with them for a lifetime!
Lemonade Stand
Nothing is more adorable than a lemonade stand. I can never say no to the sweet faces who ask if I would like lemonade. In addition to the piggy bank, older children may be interested in raising the actual money that goes in it. Of course, this only works if your little darlings wish to be entrepreneurs or have a streak of activism. Let your child create a lemonade stand that lets them earn money they can choose to donate.
Food Waste Challenge
One of GleanKY’s goals is reduce food waste in Kentucky. In the US, 40% of the food grown ends up in the landfill. Grocers, farmers, and orchards in the Bluegrass area have realized this epidemic and have donated their excess produce to our cause.
One way our supporters at home can help is by purchasing produce that will be used and planning meals around them. I know, most people do this already. Think about this: how often do you find yourself going through your fridge to find a bag of spoiled salad, a fuzzy tomato, or a squishy something that resembles a fruit?
Try a 30 day no waste challenge. Eat leftovers or prepare only the amount you will actually eat. This is also a great way to teach kids how little acts act home can make a big difference. You will most likely save money, too!
Sign up for Amazon Smile and Kroger Community Rewards
This is one of the easiest ways to support GleanKY! By signing up with Amazon Smile and Kroger Community Rewards, you give permission to the retailer to donate a percentage of your sale to your favorite organization. GleanKY is a recipient of both programs!
To sign up for Amazon Smile:
Visit smile.amazon.com
Sign in to your Amazon account.
On the top of the home page, below the search bar, it will tell you what organization you are supporting or ask you to select one.
Search for Faith Feeds of Kentucky DBA GleanKY and select us as your organization.
To sign up for Kroger Community Rewards:
Visit www.kroger.com
Click on Welcome, Sign In on the top, right hand corner.
Sign in or create an account.
Go to your account (same drop down) and scroll through to the bottom.
Select your community rewards organization.