Last month, your generosity was abundant and unmatched, as 97.5 Y Country hosted the annual Stuff A Truck food drive at Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph. From November 15th – 20th, food and monetary donations were collected for the SMCAA to help families in need in our area, bringing in shoppers and listeners in droves with the hopes of making someone’s holiday brighter this season. This FOODraiser collects food and personal care items, highlights the food insecurity that exists in our area, and offers an easy way to help. These past few years, the need for assistance across our country has grown. 2020 was a challenging year, and though navigating through these tough times can be difficult, the generosity of the people in our community does not waiver. “Every year we do this, I am amazed at how the community steps up to help their friends and neighbors,” says Jonny Reinhardt, from 97.5 Y Country.
2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the Stuff A Truck campaign, and it was celebrated by collecting $18,600 in monetary donations, and 7 full trucks of food! Two and a half of those trucks were filled by participating schools alone. Thank you to Grace Christian Schools, Lakeshore Middle School, F.C. Reed Middle School, Brown Elementary, New Buffalo Elementary, E.P. Clark Elementary, Riverside Elementary Hagar School #6, and Bridgman High School, as they went above and beyond to ensure families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties could worry a little less this year. A special thank you to Michigan Pizza Hut, who provided pizzas to the classrooms who raised the most food.
Matt Malone from The Matt Malone Morning Show says, “Not many people would say they want green beans, corn, and other non-perishables for their anniversary, but that’s exactly what we asked for when it came to our 25th Anniversary of Stuff A Truck. Our community’s commitment to helping each other was on full display this year, and I’m grateful not only for the adults who made contributions, but equally grateful for the teachers and school staff that joined us in our efforts, the parents who involved their children and instill the values of caring for others throughout this campaign. This is not a 97.5 Y Country victory, this is a Southwest Michigan victory, but physically and morally. Here’s to 25+ more years!”
The event would not be possible without sponsors, and a huge thank you goes out to: Roger’s Foodland, LeValley Chevy – Buick – GMC, Pristine Pool & Spa, Medic 1 Ambulance, Aiden’ts Landscape Supply, Mason Jar Cafe, Honor Credit Union, Boelcke Heating & Cooling, True Blue Financial, and Horizon Bank.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
