Goodman Community Center: Our generous community is needed to fill this great need

Contact: Kathy Utley, Food Security Manager

Goodman Community Center

149 Waubesa Street

Madison, WI 53704

608-241-1574 x249

kathy@goodmancenter.org

Goodman Community Center is committed to providing complete Thanksgiving meals for families in need, registration for baskets ends October 15 and we already have 2,000 families on our list. We want to serve them all!

Madison, WI October 9, 2012 – It is that time of year and once again, the Goodman Community Center will be the only Dane County Food Pantry supplying complete Thanksgiving Baskets to families across the county. If the inflow of calls is any indication, it appears that the need is even greater than last year. In 2011 the Goodman Community Center ended up providing baskets to 1,600 families and this year we have received 2,000 calls-. “the biggest increase we are seeing is in the number of families with children registering.” Says Kathy Utley, Food Security Manager

This is where the community comes in- the entire community. Goodman can only give out as many baskets as we receive the resources to fill. “Broad Community support has always been amazing. We don’t expect this year to be an exception. It would be wonderful to again be able to fill all the requests– not have to turn anyone in need away this year…” – says Becky Steinhoff, executive director.

Goodman Community Center is asking the community- businesses, individuals, religious organizations, youth groups- to hold nonperishable food drives. Goodman can provide you with a food drive packet with resources needed. Goodman also needs donations of money to help purchase turkeys and the perishable items. Those interested in donating food or money can call 241.1574 x249, or stop stop by the center (149 Waubesa St.) during business hours or go to http://www.goodmancenter.org.

“We will absolutely do everything we can for as many people as our resources and community’s generosity allows.” – says Steinhoff.

Food donations are accepted through Friday November 16. And distribution of baskets will begin Saturday November 17. The Goodman Community Center is one of the busier neighborhood centers in Madison. The Center offers many programs to strengthen the lives of preschoolers through teens, meals and social activities for older adults, a food pantry, a gym and fitness center, café and catering and community space. For more information about the Center, visit http://www.goodmancenter.org.