During these tighter economical times, it is encouraging to hear how people are reaching out to others less fortunate than themselves. The following is information about a few people in our community that are doing just that. They are taking their resources, and even inviting others to join them, to give something back to their community.
Matthew and Nicole Hennig took ownership of Grocery Outlet on Greenback Road in Citrus Heights, CA in May 2008. Since that time, not only have they worked hard at improving the store and the groceries they have to offer – such as expanding the organics section - but they have also implemented several programs that allow their patrons an opportunity to give a little back to help others. They started their “Feed a Family” program just after taking over the store. This particular program allows individuals and organizations to write a letter nominating families that are in need of a little extra help at this time. When the program was initiated, the Citrus Heights Police Department actually submitted the names of the families to the Hennigs. Now, anyone can nominate a family by bringing their letter directly to the store. One or two families are selected each month to receive funds that are donated at the registers by patrons of the store, then matched 100% by Matthew and Nicole. A store gift card is then given anonymously to the family/families that are selected by the store team members.
In 2009, the Hennigs partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) and offered shoppers the ability to purchase $1 cards at the checkout registers for local M.A.D.D. offices. Matthew and Nicole again matched the proceeds dollar for dollar and gave it all directly to the local M.A.D.D. charities. Periodically, this Grocery Outlet store will also hold raffles where the store will purchase something such as a big, gas grill and then sell raffle tickets for $0.50-$1.00 each. All of the proceeds are then donated to local charitable organizations such as the Sacramento Fireman’s Fund Foundation’s burn victims.
Matthew and Nicole also use the resources of their store to supply food to local food closets like the Carmichael Food Closet. Stop in and see the Hennig Family at the Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet. “You can save a ton shopping with us,” said Nicole, which just might give you that little extra to give back to the community yourself.
At the January North Highlands’ Lunch Bunch meeting, local real estate broker and realtor Terrie Hunt was given an award in appreciation for her extremely generous giving to Ruby’s Baskets by the Rio Linda/Elverta Lion’s Club. Terrie rented a 20’ truck and filled it with food from the local Campbell’s store including brands such as Pepperidge Farms®, V-8®, Pace® and Prego®. “The truck was so full that it dragged the ground”, Terrie stated. She gave a large portion of that truck load directly to Ruby’s Baskets and then the rest went to other local food collection centers for the holidays. Terrie also volunteers for and is a major supporter of the KOPS-n-KIDS program with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. Her motto is “do a good deed every day”.
Terrie does just that. Periodically, she will go to one of the local grocery stores and just wait for people that look as if they might need some help and she pays for their groceries. Many times she does her giving anonymously, as well. She keeps $500 on account at a feed store for A Chance for Bliss, an animal rescue group located in Penryn, CA. Terrie also sponsors local sports teams at the North Highlands Parks & Recreation.