MENASHA, Wis — For 11 years running the North Shore Bank in Menasha has been helping put food on the tables of their neighbors and friends, who could use the assistance. On Wednesday those businesses showed how they could accomplish that goal, with a bit of speed.
At the Piggly Wiggly in Menasha, it looks as if a couple of shoppers forget about a big meal hat they had assured, would be ready.
"Each of them had a list of items to collect," says Kerri Collins of North Shore Bank who organized the event.
But despite the sense of panic displayed, as two teams comprised of local non-profit volunteers shopped, there was a sense of assurance related to what they were accomplishing. That’s because the volunteers, were shopping for others.
"It was just a fun way for us to be able to give back to the community and supply items that are much needed at Saint Josephs at this time of the year," says Collins.
Both teams had a grocery list of items that the Saint Joseph food program in Menasha could really use to help feed the nearly five thousand people they serve every single week.
"This event allows us to have fun battling a really serious issue. I think as we go about our day to day lives sometimes we don't even notice or might not be aware of just how many people are food insecure, even in the fox cities," says Leah Thibodeau of Saint Joseph food Program.
Once all of the items on their lists were found and wheeled to the checkout aisle, the reality set in that the volunteers had just purchased 433 dollars worth of help for their neighbors.
"For people to come in and have this kind of an impact in ten minutes is phenomenal," adds Thibodeau.
But truth be told, the speedy shopping experience took less than five minutes to make such a difference for the food bank. And the truly inspiring part of it all, is North Shore Bank picked up the tab and Piggly Wiggly matched the donation.
"I think it makes a lot of a difference. If everyone does their little bit it really helps out the community," says Rick Lee the owner of the Piggly Wiggly in Menasha.
