Local Publix raises most for food drive
If you stopped by the Publix Supermarket on Orange Grove Boulevard over the last few months, you may have heard a lot of cheering and bell ringing from cashiers and other employees. That’s because the staff there was in a race to beat all other stores in the district in raising the most money for a Harry Chapin Food Drive.
As an added incentive, Customer Service Manager Matt Humphreys told all employees that if they raised the most, he’d shave his head.
It was neck and neck for a while between two stores. In the end the Orange Grove store beat all in the other district stores in North Fort Myers and Cape Coral, several with much higher volume than that store.
“The store did not receive any special reward for achieving this goal, but the Harry Chapin Food Bank and the community in need received the ultimate prize,” said Shannon Patten, spokesperson for Publix.
Managers said they were just following one of the mission statements of the company – to be responsible citizens in their community.
“The food monies that are raised in the community stay in the community,” said Patton.
Cashiers encouraged customers to purchase Harry Chapin Food donations bags that were for sale, and said the customer response was overwhelming. They added that many said they were happy to help, especially in these economic times.
“We are so fortunate to have such generous customers and we are grateful for their support during this local food drive,” said Patton.
Humphries stuck to his word, and ceremoniously, after the store closed last Saturday, he had his head shaved. A posted sign in the break room told all when the event would happen, and 20 to 30 associates gathered late that night to see it.
He said his wife was supportive, and he is very proud of the store staff. It was a good thing for the community, he noted, and that was the bottom line.