HPLA is Nuts for Petersburg!

I am very pleased to announce HPLA's big project for the upcoming year that will kick-off at the September 25 meeting: HPLA is partnering with the Central Virginia Foodbank in a peanut butter drive that will help support the outreach programs here in Petersburg, and we need your help to get the Petersburg's businesses on board for collection sites, volunteers and donations.

If you have a business or organization, are involved in a business or organization or know someone who is, please help us network and get a strong backing for this project. Here is why:

Petersburg's Population is 33,740, but 26% of our population is living below the poverty level. That's 8,773 of our neighbors. 40%, or 3,509, of those who are living below the poverty level in Petersburg are children.

Last year, between October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, 190,024 pounds of food were distributed to hungry people in Petersburg by the Central Virginia Foodbank through its partner agencies here in Petersburg.

What it is: Nuts for Petersburg is a food and fund drive that concentrates on peanut butter, a much-needed protein source for food distribution centers.

What will be accepted: Peanut butter! Donators of four jars or eight dollars will receive raffle tickets in exchange for their donations. Other types of non-perishable food items will be accepted, as will monetary donations.

Where donations will be accepted: Donations will be accepted at HPLA meetings and events, announced collection events and at volunteer business locations.

Time period of drive: September 25, 2006–December, 2006

Our goal: 3, 509 jars of peanut butter, one jar for every child living below the poverty level in Petersburg.

How businesses can partner with HPLA in Nuts for Petersburg
• Financial donation (Checks to be made payable to Central Virginia Foodbank)
• Donation in kind (raffle prizes, donator coupons, food donations to Central Virginia Foodbank, food or fund matches)
• Donation of time (volunteers to collect donations at collection events)
• Donation of printing (printing or photocopying of drive posters and materials)
• Other donation:_________________ (publicity or other ideas for participation welcome!)

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Mady at 863-2666.

Thanks for helping us out,
Mady and the HPLA board