CVPS Fill the Cupboard Challenge smashes collection goal

For the second consecutive year, the CVPS Fill the Cupboard Challenge beat its collection goal, this time topping its target number of 22,000 items. A total of 23,727 items were collected by 65 local businesses, community groups, schools and organizations from Sept. 6 and October 7.
‘With Tropical Storm Irene devastating the area just prior to the event, we weren’t sure what to expect,’ said CVPS spokeswoman Christine Rivers. ‘However, the Rutland community showed once again its unrelenting ability to rise to the challenge and work together to help make a difference for those in need.’
The food collected during the Fill the Cupboard Challenge is expected to last up to the holiday season, when donations are at their peak.
Rutland Middle and High School fall sports teams won the challenge by collecting a total of 4,320 food items. CVPS will donate $500 to the Cupboard in their name.
‘The RMS and RHS fall sports teams really outdid themselves this year,’ said Community Cupboard Manager Sue Bassett. ‘The teams were so enthusiastic about going door-to-door for the food drive, and they enjoyed the friendly competition to bring in the most food. The teams helped us meet our goal for the CVPS Challenge and their efforts will ensure that we can provide food to families seeking emergency assistance.’
CVPS will also make a $5,000 contribution to fulfill its pledge of 25 cents for each food item collected up to 20,000 items. The combined $5,500 contribution will be presented to the Community Cupboard next summer, when food donations are at their lowest point annually.
‘CVPS really raised the bar this year with the 22,000-item goal and despite the storm and the tough economic times, the Rutland community responded," Bassett said. ‘We’ll need more donors heading into winter, but this food drive is critical to keeping our shelves full through the fall.’
In 2010, the Rutland Community Cupboard distributed more than 221,000 items to area residents, serving about 500 families each month. Last year 67 groups participated in the Challenge, collecting a total of 21,654 items.
2011 Fill the Cupboard Challenge participants included: Trinity Church, Circle K, Green Mountain Credit Union, Old Navy, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, Rutland Price Chopper 131, Rutland Housing Authority, Michael R. Dick, DMD, O’Brien Shortle Reynolds and Sabotka, PC, Southwest Freedom Riders, Coldwell Banker Watson Realty, Independent Audit Associates, Inc., Mid Vermont ENT, St. Peters Church, People’s United Bank, Green Mountain Chapter of GE Retirees, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rutland Mental Health, Mountain View Center ‘ Genesis Healthcare, RHS / RMS Fall Sports Teams, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Linden Terrace, Stewart’s Shops ‘ State Street, Stewart’s Shops ‘ Strongs Avenue, Hannaford Supermarket and Pharmacy, Fiber Floozies, Housing Trust of Rutland County, Rutland Area Christian School, Baba-A-Louis Bakery, Restoring Rutland, August First Bakery, Timco Jewelers, VELCO, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Rutland South Rotary Club, Castleton State College Field Hockey, General Electric, Rutland Meals on Wheels, Coca Cola, Mill Village Chapel, PETCO, In Memory of Mary A. O’Keefe, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland Garden Club, Miss Jackie’s Studio of Dance, Retired Teachers Breakfast Group, Best of Vermont, United Way of Rutland County, Chapter 2, Duke Energy, ARC Rutland Area, Weight Watchers, Social Security Administration, Bailey Memorial Library, Southwestern Vermont Council On Aging, United Methodist Church, Castleton State College Student Nurses Association, Marble Valley Regional Transit District, Green Mountain Missionary Baptists Church, RRMC Patient Accounting, Mary Oliver Moore ‘ Monte Bella Salon, Mendon Methodist Church and Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce.