Food for Forsyth

Meanwhile, Robin Bralley, publisher of Forsyth Family (FF) magazine, was brainstorming on how to introduce both FW and FF magazines to local neighborhoods. “I thought the easiest way to get the magazines to people was to put them in a plastic bag and hang it on their doors. Then it dawned on me that, since I was leaving a plastic bag, this could be turned into a food drive campaign as well. Giving back to the community is important to us at FW and FF, so this was a perfect fit.”

Bralley and Blizard teamed up to get “Food4Forsyth” (named by Bralley’s husband, Tim) rolling, with its introduction in the Waterford neighborhood in Clemmons. “Although we have only presented the idea in two neighborhoods, the response has been very positive. In our most recent donation, we had 800 items given,” commented Keela Johnson, publisher of Forsyth Woman magazine. The non-perishable food and personal care products are in great need at the local pantries. During the holidays, people give monetary donations as well as canned foods, but at the beginning of the year and into the spring, local food pantries find their shelves looking bare.

Getting involved Many people and neighborhoods would like to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, but how to go about it is usually the problem. But Bralley and Blizard want to make donating as easy as possible. “We are looking for neighborhoods that would have an interest in doing a food drive. Basically, a bag with a copy of FW and FF magazines would be left on people’s front door with a note that gives a return date, on which any donated food would be picked up. Our hope is that each neighborhood would have a coordinator to help with the bag drop off and the food pick up,” stated Blizard.

Once the donations are collected, the items are either donated to the Clemmons Food Pantry or to Second Harvest Food Bank. Canned, non-perishable foods are always in need, but so are the things we take for granted, like toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.

Bralley has high hopes for community involvement in Food4Forsyth. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to get together and make a difference in others’ lives. Organizing and collecting the items would also be a great service project for youth groups and organizations.”

The Results Johnson, Blizard and Bralley see the Food4Forsyth food drives as a win-win situation. “Naturally, the citizens who turn to local food banks for help benefit from the donations, but there is no greater joy than giving to others. Making a difference in others’ lives is the right thing to do,” said Bralley.

Food4Forsyth has food drive campaigns planned for the north and east side of Forsyth County, but having neighborhood coordinators in place when the drives begin is key. “Pam Blizard came along just when the idea was being formulated, so if we could get a ’Pam Blizard’ in every neighborhood, this community outreach could really take off,” commented Bralley.

The saying “It is better to give, than to receive” is no less true today than when it was originally stated. With Food4Forsyth, local neighbors can join in the giving and reap the benefits of knowing they made a difference. For information on how to get involved in Food4Forsyth please contact Robin Bralley at robin@forsythfamilymagazine.com.