PS Food Mart Surpasses Fundraising Goal

HOMER, Mich. -- The second annual PS Food Mart Charities "Fight Hunger. Give Hope" campaign exceeded its fundraising goal -- in just 17 days.

According to PS Food Mart, employees and customers from 30 stores across South Central Michigan and Northwest Ohio raised nearly $60,000 in support of local food banks. The amount surpassed the fundraising target by $10,000.

"The entire PS Food Mart and Folk Oil teams are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we received for our fundraising efforts," said Jim Linton, vice president with PS Food Mart. "As a local business we know how much our customers and employees care about their community and their neighbors in need. Exceeding our goal by more than $10,000 really shows the spirit and care that exists throughout Michigan and Ohio. We are all extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause."

The food banks benefiting from the charity campaign include the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank and several local food pantries in the communities represented by PS Food Mart. Donations will provide nearly half a million meals to needy families.

The campaign included the sale of paper hearts for $1 and $5, raffles, bake sales and the sale of homemade jewelry, according to a company release. The Cooper PS Food Mart team in Jackson, Mich. led the PS Food Mart stores, raising more than $3,700 for the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Other top fundraisers were five PS Food Mart stores in the Toledo, Ohio area which collectively raised more than $10,000 for the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.

"The individual PS Food Mart stores, along with their loyal customers are true heroes in this program," said Ed Heath, vice president of operations with PS Food Mart. "Individuals such as Alicia Henry, employee at Spring Arbor PS Food Mart store in Spring Arbor, Mich. who raised more than $1,300 by encouraging customers to give as much or as little as they could every day, were cheerleaders for the programs and made it exciting for customers. We look forward to raising even more money and supporting even more groups in the future."

A number of local businesses and national supporters joined PS Food Mart and Folk Oil in the fundraising efforts. These "Gold Heart Donors" included Hillsdale-based Watkins Oil, and R.W. Mercer of Jackson, Mich.

"We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support that PS Food Mart, Folk Oil and all the local employees and, of course, customers provide to our organization and the community-based hunger-relief network we serve. Many people only think about food banks around Thanksgiving, but the need exists all year long," said Bob Randels, executive director of the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. "This partnership puts food on the table for those in need, while helping raise awareness for the devastating issues caused by hunger. We thank the people of Michigan and for the support provided by PS Food Mart stores."