Gleaners Dispatch News

2008-06-23T08:36:00.000-04:00

Gleaners Dispatch, Inc. Joins With President Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to Deliver President’s Volunteer Service Award
Prestigious Award Honors Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service

Jacksonville, FL – Gleaners Dispatch, Inc. today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the Award was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months.

Gleaners Dispatch, Inc. is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the President’s Volunteer Service Award and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation. As a Certifying Organization for the Award, Gleaners Dispatch, Inc is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the Award.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award,” said CEO and co-founder, Dave Fountain. “Gleaners Dispatch volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The Award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.”

“Even if you’ve never volunteered before, the President’s Volunteer Service Award is within your reach,” Gleaners spokesman, Eric Lampe said. “There are so many ways to contribute, and every volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others. We encourage everyone to get involved and to bring along your family, friends and neighbors. Together, we can strengthen America – one hour at a time.”

The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.

For more information about volunteering with Gleaners Dispatch, Inc. call (904)777-6344 or visit http://www.gleanersdisptach.orgFor more information on the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.

2008-05-06T12:59:00.002-04:00

“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up.”

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech,1964

Overview of Hunger In America

2008-05-06T12:12:00.005-04:00

Just last year, the national poverty rate rose to include 35.9 million Americans, 12.5 percent of the population. More than 36 million people were at risk of suffering from hunger in the United States, including 1 in 3 children. In addition, 3.5 million people were forced to sleep in parks, under bridges, in shelter or cars.

The combination of the high cost of living, low-wage jobs, and high unemployment rates only exacerbate these problems and force countless Americans to choose between food, housing, and other expenses. Studies show that money devoted to food is typically the first to be sacrificed. Families will often pay their fixed payments first, such as rent and utilities, rather than pay for food. Bread for the World reported that 35% of Americans had to choose between food and rent, while 28% had to choose between medical care and food, in the first half of 2007.

People facing food insecurity and hunger are most likely to live in households near or below the poverty line. In addition, households with children are almost twice as likely to face hunger as those without. A recent report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors shows that 34% of people requesting emergency food assistance last year were employed.

Who is Hungry and Why?

36 million American are at risk of going hungry each year.
13 million children, 1 out of 3, in the U.S. are food insecure. 39.1% are male, 60% are female.
22% of the food insecure households are African American, 21.7% are Hispanic.
11.5% of rural families suffer from food insecurity.

*Statistics provided by The National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness.

Make a Donation to Help Fight Hunger in Jacksonville

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NIV)

2008-05-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

"When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands".

Gleaners Preparing to Launch "Soup Galley" Ministry

2008-04-18T11:00:00.003-04:00

In an effort to expand its ministry to the poor and needy in Jacksonville, Gleaners Dispatch, Inc. is preparing to launch a mobile soup kitchen ministry on the Westside. The "Soup Galley", a box van with a full kitchen and generator, is nearly ready to put in service. We will be announcing a launch date soon.

Gleaners is already serving free soup to our guests who come to the Ramona Flea Market every Thursday.

Gleaners Dispatch Soup Galley

2008-04-18T10:59:00.000-04:00

New Gleaners Clothing Giveaway at Ramona Flea Market

2008-04-18T10:43:00.002-04:00

In partnership with Noah's Ark Thrift Store, Gleaner's Dispatch is now giving used clothing away to anyone in need at our Fresh Food Distribution each Thursday at Ramona Flea Market. Clothing for the entire family will be given away beginning at 10 AM every Thursday for as long as supplies last. The Food Distribution begins at 12:30.

Thank you, Noah's Ark for helping us meet the needs of the poor in our community more effectively. We appreciate you!

2008-04-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

Clothing Giveaway at Ramona on Thursday 04\17\2008

2008-04-18T10:40:00.000-04:00

Thursday Clothing Giveaway Ramona 04\17\2008

2008-04-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

Ramona Clothing Giveaway 04\17\2008

2008-04-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

Ramona Flea Market Clothing Giveaway 04\18\2008

2008-04-18T10:35:00.001-04:00

Clothing Distribution 04\17\2008 Ramona Flea Market

2008-04-18T10:30:00.002-04:00

Clothing Distribution 04\17\2008 Ramona Flea Market

2008-04-18T10:14:00.004-04:00

Work & Witness Team

2008-03-12T13:25:00.003-04:00

This was the group from Iowa that stayed at the local Hospitality Inn at I-295 while they helped as volunteers to do behind-the-scenes maintenance work for Gleaners and gave a generous donation to cover all the materials they needed for the work.

Donald (Mack) McNulty

Callahan 12\10\07

2007-12-12T08:40:00.000-05:00