Riverside XC wins race and canned food drive
September 28, 2015
GREER, SC – When Greer Community Ministries (GCM) posted photos of empty shelves in their food pantry two weeks ago on Social Media accounts, Riverside High School Cross Country Coach Eric Cummings immediately sent the ministry a message.
“I have almost 3,000 sitting in my classroom right now that you will have next Thursday,” Cummings wrote.
He then sent a second message that said willing parents would start bringing the nonperishable food by on Monday instead and for four straight days, deliveries were made by parents. The end result is 6,884 items donated by the Riverside Cross Country team, their families and friends.
“We are now blessed with nearly 7,000 more items on our shelves and we are overwhelmed with the generosity of these runners,” said Cindy Simpler, GCM executive director. “The timing is impeccable. They saw our need and didn’t wait to share their gifts. We are so grateful.”
Summer demand for food was greater this year and wiped out the food supply. Donations are typically slower in the summer months as well.
“Through the generosity of the Riverside students our pantry has truly been revived,” said Kelly Lee, Food Pantry and Sharon’s Closet coordinator. “Our food orders will now be complete and will help feed the needy of our area.”
Last fall, the RHS team donated more than 5,000 items to GCM as well. The Food Pantry serves an average of 362 people per month in the Greater Greer area. Clients may be assisted bi-annually. Each food order provides enough food to feed a family of four for four to five days.
GCM also provides clothing through Sharon’s Closet and provides meals each weekday through Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels. All services are free. To learn more, visit gcminc.org.
