Golden State Foods donates 50 backpacks to school district
By Tom Ganser
CORRESPONDENT
On Aug. 5, Golden State Foods associates Laura Peshe, Cherri Rennells, Rob Seithamer and Katy Simon presented Whitewater Unified School District Administrator Eric Runez and Special Education/Pupil Services Coordinator Lenora Heim with 50 backpacks filled with school supplies for children in the district.
Whitewater is home to a GSF distribution center that employs about 136 people.
“Back(pack) to School” is one of the core donation programs of the Golden State Foods Foundation that provides students in need with a backpack filled with essential supplies, so they can begin the school year ready to learn, do homework and participate in class. Providing these academic necessities to at-risk children also promotes and encourages attendance as well as boosts self-confidence.
The GSF Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of children and families in need in the areas where GSF associates live and work through personal involvement and contributions.
The foundation supports more than 500 children’s charities and elementary schools across the U.S. to help those in need. Building upon the existing charitable involvement of its associates, the foundation partners with numerous local charities nominated by GSF employees, benefiting a variety of worthy organizations, children and families throughout the country.
In addition to donating 50 backpacks to the WUSD, the Whitewater GSF associates are also distributing 975 backpacks to schools in Beloit, Delavan, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Jefferson, Palmyra, Sullivan and Rockford, IL this year.
LD Foods in Jefferson, Spacesaver Corporation in Fort Atkinson and McDonalds Owners/Operators in Beloit and Rockford have partnered with Whitewater GSF associates in expanding this project, now in its fifth year.
“All the donations are done either through payroll deduction or a onetime contribution as needed, or GSF associates sponsor a program and this is one of our main programs,” Rennells said.
According to Simon, efforts are made to target schools in the communities were the GSF employees “live and work because then it means more to them … and they can actually see where their money is going.”
“The backpacks are very much needed and appreciated by the little kids,” Heim said. “It’s really nice to be able to give them to their moms on registration day because at open house the kids bring in their school supplies and so they’re able to participate and bring their school supplies.”
“I think in the past we might have had some families that didn’t go to open house because they didn’t have anything to bring. So the timing of this is actually beautiful that we’re able to help people feel like they’re welcome,” Heim added.
Runez said “this is a terrific show of support by a local company to help our families in need and our children in need. It really does allow every child a great start to the school year.”
“If anyone else is willing or wants to get involved, we’re more than happy for the extra support so that we can grow this so that our counties can be better,” Rennells added with a smile.
