January 2023 Newsletter

Happy New Year to you and your family! As the year ends we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and be thankful for all of you. We wouldn't be here without you.

We are excited to continue to serve our community in the New Year.

Cheers to another great year! If you have any questions now or into the New Year don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

The Feed the Need Team

A BIG THANK YOU to Beck Automotive Group's Donation of a new metal roof to Feed the Need!!

For the past 8 years, Feed the Need of Putnam County has utilized warehouse space donated by Bramlitt's on Hwy 19. This past year, Feed the Need of Putnam County acquired the East Palatka Volunteer Fire Department building for a warehouse and operations center. Feed the Need’s new home will be the operations center to continue supplying 800+ students with food weekly through their food backpack program. A big thank you to Beck Automotive Group for their donation of a new metal roof. Feed the Need has been blessed with local donations from businesses, individuals, and civic groups that are invested in the local community and Beck Automotive Group is one of those local businesses. In addition to the new roof, Dave's Tops and Trim designed and donated the sign which is displayed out front of the FTN warehouse. Renovations are underway in the building. If you are interested in donating or volunteering to make a difference in the lives of local children; go to FeedTheNeedofPutnam.org or contact us directly at 386-937-3862 or PO BOX 1321, Palatka, Fl 32178.

Picture Above Left Side: FTN Board Member - Renee Hough, Beck Chrysler General Manager - Jeremy Alexander, FTN Executive Director – Denise Bramlitt, Beck Fixed Operations Director - Matt Buckles, FTN Board Member Jackie Porter-Finn.

Right Side: Beck Chevrolet General Manager - Mike Flanders, FTN Board Member Rebecca Motes, Beck Ford General Manager - Brian Freeman, Beck Event Coordinator with Visit Palatka - Stephanie Reems, Beck Community Relations Director - Jim Torino, Vice President Beck Automotive - Wayne McClain.

Not present, Board Member - Leota Wilkinson

Donation to Putnam First Cancer Fund on behalf of the East Palatka Volunteer Fire Department's Firefighters

Recently Feed the Need of Putnam County acquired the East Palatka Volunteer Fire Department building for a warehouse and operations center. As part of the acquisition, Feed the Need made a donation to Putnam First Cancer Fund of $2000, on behalf of the East Palatka Volunteer Fire Department's Firefighters, and to all the EMS and firefighters fighting cancer.

Renovations are underway, and soon FTN's volunteers will be filling backpacks with food for the 800+ Putnam County students it feeds every weekend. Through your generosity, Feed the Need continues its mission to feed local children.

Pictured above: FTN Executive Director – Denise Bramlitt, FTN Board Member – Julia Warwick, FTN Board Member – Jackie Porter-Finn, Dr. Kuruvilla representing PFCF, FTN Board Member – Renee Hough, FTN Board Member – Becci Motes

Not present, Board Member - Leota Wilkinson

January Ramen Noodle and Juice Box Drive

FTN is collecting RAMEN NOODLES AND JUICE BOXES this month! We need your help feeding 800+ students every week! You can drop off the items at Bramlitt's at 110 FL-19, Palatka, FL 32177, Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.

We Need Reusable Shopping Bags

If you have extra reusable shopping bags that need a new home, please bring them by FTN, we can use them! Or perhaps you are at the checkout counter and want to grab one or two to share! FTN uses the bags to back "Family Bags". The teachers work diligently to identify theses families. The bags are sent home with the kids to feed the whole family. Often, they have beans, soups, snacks and other family items. Drop off at Bramlitt's at 110 FL-19, Palatka, FL 32177, Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.

Azalea City Brewing Company Round-Up Donation to Feed the Need

Businesses that support small local non-profits right here in Putnam County are always a blessing to us. Azalea City Brewing Company plays a big part all year round with many local charities. Feed the Need is very grateful to have been picked as a round-up recipient from Azalea City Brewing Company. Andrea and Rod do a Round Up each month of customer tabs and give back to local non-profits. CHEERS and thank you both for all you do in our small community and feeding local food insecure students!

Church Monthly Food Drives!

In 2023 Feed the Need of Putnam County will be partnering with various churches in Putnam County to run a food drive for one month of the year. Each month we will be collecting a much-needed food item that we will send home with Putnam County School students for the weekends.

This is what we will be collecting the next several months:

February: Ramen Noodles

March: Juice Boxes

April: Peanut Butter and Jelly

May: Peanut Butter Crackers

If your church would is interested in partnering with FTN, please reach out to us!

(904) 477-4356 or feedtheneedputnam@yahoo.org

For the month of February we are so excited to partner with Christ Independent Methodist Church and Palatka Open Door Church of God!

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive

The children at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Federal Point collected peanut butter and jelly for Feed the Need! Thank you for feeding local food insecure children!

Amazon Smile

Amazon Smile is the perfect and free way to donate to Feed the Need while shopping on Amazon. Just go to Amazon Smile to sign up & continue your usual shopping experience, they will donate .5% for all qualifying purchases to the charity of your choice. Please click the logo to sign up now!!

Great Nonprofits

A great way to help Feed the Need is to share your Feed the Need story! Click the logo above to go to Great Nonprofits website and share! We are truly grateful for our FTN Family & for this community!

We need your Google Reviews

Submitting a Google review is a quick and non-monetary way to help Feed the Need! Giving a good review and sharing your experience or thoughts about FTN will help others in the community to be aware of the great things FTN is contributing to Putnam County Students. Click on the Google logo to submit a review now.

Facebook Fundraisers

Facebook fundraisers are an excellent way to support FTN! Just click Resources & Tools, pick create a fundraiser, & select which organization you want to support!! Please choose Feed The Need of Putnam County for your next Birthday Fundraiser!! Click on the Facebook Birthday Logo to get started.

Click Here to Donate