BUSINESS NEWS
From Wheatland Electric...
Wheatland Electric is ready to POWER THE PANTRY in 2023 with a $50,000 commitment to one dozen local food banks across southwest and central Kansas.
2023 is a special year for us. Not only does it mark our cooperative’s 75th anniversary but also 10 years since start of our annual food drive–CRAM THE VAN–to support our local food banks.
Starting in 2014, our cooperative—employees, trustees, volunteers, and our co-op members alike—have all pitched in to cram our BIG RED VAN with food donations for the communities we serve. This year, in lieu of traveling and hosting in-person events across our service territory, we’re committing $50,000 total to 12 food banks that power the communities we serve. This includes the Community Food Bank of Barton County.
In addition to our $50,000 commitment, our cooperative is also actively working to raise monetary funds through an online donation drive, sponsorships at our fifth annual Co-ops Care Charity Golf Tournament (Sept. 15, 2023), and additional contributions from vendors, local businesses, and other community partners. All proceeds we raise will directly benefit the food banks in the communities we serve ahead of this holiday season.
In addition to these efforts, students across Great Bend private schools and USD 428 will also be collecting canned goods and other non-perishable food items for a friendly school competition during Oct. 16-20, 2023. We strongly encourage donors to check expiration dates, and no bottled water will be weighed as part of a school’s weight total. In addition, bulk items that are not individually packaged (e.g., large bags of beans or rice) are discouraged. The four schools with the most weight in items collected will win prize money totaling $1,5000, generously made available by the Gifting Forward Foundation.
Cooperative members can power their local pantry, too, by making a monetary donation at our local Wheatland office (200 10th St.), or by making a quick and easy donation online at www.weci.net. As our ‘thank-you’ all individual donors will be entered to win $500 for every $20 donated now through Nov. 1, 2023. Donors can specify one of one dozen food banks as part of this year’s campaign that they wish to direct their donation to. Questions? memberservices@weci.net
About Cram the Van
Every fall since 2014, Wheatland Electric has hosted community gatherings, school competitions, and other events to collect donations for local food banks across our service territory. The annual food drive is coined “Cram the Van” thanks to their signature fleet vehicle: a red, extended passenger van used to collect and deliver donations.
Over the past nine years, and thanks to the generosity of the communities we serve, Wheatland has been able to facilitate the collection of more than 113 tons (226,908 lbs.) of food for local food banks across southwest and central Kansas. All contributions are always directed or delivered to the community food bank where the donations are made or specified for. For more information, visit www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive.