Community Collaboration Campaign

 

In 2024 we’re launching our Community Collaboration Campaign – to help unite our community and align resources toward supporting neighbors battling food insecurity. 

 

Mason, Deerfield Township, and surrounding neighborhoods make up a flourishing community with outstanding educational opportunities for our children, flourishing businesses, and neighbors who care about each other and rally when they see a need.  The Community Collaboration Campaign is our way to tailor opportunities to help three different sections of our community lend a hand so that together, we can ensure that the families around us aren’t facing hunger alone.  Click on one of the following to learn about our: the Local Business Partner Fund, the Caring Neighbor Initiative, and the Students in Action Program.

 

  •   In 2024 we’re asking local businesses to consider Mason as their home.  Even if your home address is in a different town, Mason considers you part of our small town – one of our own.

    ·         Mason Leads the State in how we educate our children, how successfully we support big and small businesses, and how we innovate in the face of challenges.  Join us as we work to Lead the State Feeding our Neighbors in their moments of temporary need.

    ·         There are two ways for your business to join other Local Businesses in Strongly Supporting the Mason Food Pantry:

    o   Option One: Join other local businesses with a $200-$500 annual donation! Proudly display our new ‘membership decal’ on your window to ensure that all of Mason knows that your business is a strong supporter of the Mason Food Pantry and is helping fight food insecurity among our neighbors!

    o   Option Two: Make an in-kind donation of food or personal care items from your business to the pantry, valued at $250 or more, and proudly display your new ‘membership decal’ showing your generous support so that your patrons recognize your support of our hometown.

    ·         Reach out to Debra Richman, Director of Community Outreach and Fundraising for more information or to answer questions!  debrarichman@masonfoodpantry.org

  • • Households across Mason have always helped to keep our shelves stocked – this community is amazing at looking out for each other!

    • We are keeping it easy for you to shop for what we need most – check out our Current List <insert Link>!

    o Simply print off the sheet and take it with you on your trip to the grocery store, or screen shot it on your phone!

    o As our list changes, we’ll keep updating it and at the top – we’ll have Top 4 Things we Need Most……. So that if you’re making a quick stop in at the store – it’s super easy!

    • Donating is flexible! Fill a bag or fill your cart – every bag of groceries donated is a big help!

    • Families can make donating fun!

    o Be a part of our ‘First of the Month Supporters’: Fill a bag or two the first week of every month and drop it off at the pantry on a Monday or Thursday morning between 9 and 11, or swing by any time and place in our weather-safe donation bin in front of the building!

    o Make shopping for the pantry a ‘Learning and Serving’ outing with your children to instill the lifelong values of helping neighbors and working to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.

    o Start a ‘Donate & Drop’ coffee date with friends! Shop together or bring your own bag of items, drop them together at the Food Pantry and then head out for a cup of coffee at a coffee shop nearby to catch up!

    • Reach out to Debra Richman, Director of Community Outreach and Fundraising for more information or to answer questions!

    debrarichman@masonfoodpantry.org

     

  • • Area High School Students can have a huge impact on our community! It’s a fantastic way to learn about community needs, make a difference to neighbors in need, develop leadership and marketing skills, and ultimately earn Service Hours Credit for you hard work and initiative.

    • The Students in Action Program consists of hosting your own Mason Food Pantry Donation Drive – collecting at least 100 items of ‘Personal Care Items’ – click the link for the list https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mason-food-pantry-summer-student-volunteer-program-2025-tickets-1308475307869?aff=oddtdtcreator.

    • Students can design and collect for their donation drive in any number of ways:

    o Market your donation drive by asking for donations via Social Media

    o Create, Print, and Deliver flyers to local businesses or neighbors

    o Reach out to friends and family via an email campaign asking for personal item donations or for a financial contribution which you can use to shop for personal items for them

    o Use your creativity and talents and set up your donation drive however you would like!

    o Fold this concept into working toward another personal goal such as service hours for MHSHS or as part of an Eagle Scout Project – collaboration is a win-win!

    • Students will earn 25 service hour credits and a certificate and letter of appreciation from the Mason Food Pantry for their hard work and dedication toward completion of their 100+ donation drive!

    • Students can work to earn the ‘Mason City 100 Hours Helping Fight Hunger’ award, presented by the Mason City Mayor’s office at a special ceremony after reaching the dedication milestone of contributing ‘100 Hours of Service’ toward fighting hunger in our community! That’s four individual donation drives, and that’s an impressive act of passion and dedication toward serving your community! This year’s award will be presented in August at the Mason City Council Meeting! We would be thrilled to see you there!

    • Reach out to Debra Richman, Director of Community Outreach and Fundraising for more information or to answer questions!

    debrarichman@masonfoodpantry.org