The holidays were filled with hustle and bustle, and we're finally finding a moment to reflect on the generosity of area businesses this past December. Out of the blue several different organizations came to our aid and offered services that were invaluable to us.
The Ravena branch of First Niagara Bank offered to let us set up a holiday display for Cross Culture Market in its lobby. Our international aid program that helps disadvantaged groups of people earn a living doesn’t have the money for marketing so we were excited about this opportunity. Think of all the people who came to this local bank every week and saw our table packed with unique socially responsible holiday gifts! We’re certain we saw new customers in the store as a result. Thank you First Niagara Bank!
Another bank with a local branch also stepped up to help us. The Bank of Greene County hosted a food drive to benefit Helping Harvest, our donation-based food assistance program. Branch staff contacted us about the opportunity, helped coordinate it and talked it up with customers. They helped us collect two large boxes of food for the needy on our community. How awesome! Thank you to The Bank of Greene County!
The Port of Coeymans also conducted a food drive for us. With just a little bit of communication on our part the Port gathered a large box of food for Helping Harvest. We often struggle to keep a healthy array of foods on our shelves so this donation of canned veggies, pasta sauces and more help us meet our mission to serve the needy. Thank you Port of Coeymans!
We even received support from an association in Albany. The New York State Academy of Family Physicians also hosted a food drive and collected some money to support Helping Harvest. The group wanted to make sure they were supporting a local organization. Amazing! Thanks to the staff of New York State Academy of Family Physicians.
Lots of very worthy charities make a big fundraising push during the holiday season. Our staffs' mailboxes (US Mail and email) were just as stuffed as everyone elses with requests for financial support. We are so grateful that our community organization - now entering just it’s fifth year of existence - was on the radar of these businesses who chose to include us in their holiday giving plans.