Kingsway raises funds for Belle Plaine Food Shelf
In honor of “National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week,” Kingsway Retirement Living raised $320 to donate to the Belle Plaine Food Shelf. To raise money, both residents and team members donated money. For each donated dollar, they were given a ticket and eligible to win prizes. Prizes were donated team members and by local business including Kwik Trip, Reinhart Food Service, First Choice Pharmacy, Hillyard, Cenex, McDonalds and Coborn’s.
“It was our first time asking for donations so we didn’t really know what to expect,” said Vlada Gladis, Life Enrichment Manager at Kingsway. “Were very happy with the outcome and glad it’s going back to help the local community.”
Organizers opted to collect money, rather than food items, because the Food Shelf can stretch cash further with access to discount products and programs. To track the money raised, a paper turkey was placed outside the dining hall. For each $5 donated, another feather would be added to the turkey. Residents who donated more than $5 were given a sign to hang on their doors.
During the prize giveaway, a variety of team members and residents won. 
“If you didn’t win something, you still donated to the Food Shelf and helped a local family,” said Vlada.
Organizers hope the Food Shelf fundraiser becomes an annual tradition at Kingsway.
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