Jump Start 2009

Gleaners began its tenth year of operation in 2009 and we have never been busier!

In February we enjoyed a wonderful fellowship at a Volunteer Get-Together at the Londontowne Apartments. In March we competed in a Gumbo Cook-off at the Jacksonville Landing and took first place for presentation. April was extremely busy with a visit from Mayor Peyton & the Westside Business Leaders Association at the Ramona Flea Market. We also participated in the Veteran's Fair at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds and the Cecil Field Air Show. To wrap up the month we are working with the City's Housing Department at their Annual "Paint the Town Red" event where we will be serving the community lunch and having a special distribution.

We are still seeing weekly increases in the number of families needing our help with free fresh food. We were blessed to meet the matching goal last year that the Sontag Foundation challenged us with. Because 2009 is the first year in three years that we are not in line to receive matching funds from them, we are now challenging OURSELVES to match the funds we raised last year!

We are in current need of mechanical work. We have three vans in desperate need of repairs. We are also starting our Soup Galley Ministry back up. If you would like to help drive our van, make soup or serve soup to those in need of a hot meal, please contact our office.