Area businesses spread holiday cheer
With the help of its customers, Papa John’s collected 1,000 items for the food pantry at New Life Ministries which were delivered on Dec. 20. Pictured from left are Travis Davis, driver, Zetta Whited, assistant manager and Noah Gallagher, general manager.
COSHOCTON – Businesses throughout the community have been busy spreading holiday cheer.
On Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 Papa John’s offered customers a free one topping pizza if they brought in 10 cans of food. That special deal led the pizza shop to collecting 1,000 items for the food pantry at New Life Ministries.
“We love to be able to give back to the community,” said Noah Gallagher, general manager at Papa John’s. “Without the support of the community those of us who work here wouldn’t have jobs. Being able to give back to the community is a way we can say thank you for their support.”
The food pantry at New Life Ministries has distributions once a month on the third Thursday and has been operating since 2003. In November the food pantry served 256 households. Seventy-seven of them had children and 179 of them did not. The bulk of their clients are age 60 and older.
“We appreciate the community’s generosity because that is what keeps us going,” said Pastor Mark Granger. “People are very giving.”
The staff at Kyle Libby State Farm chose three different ways to help the community this Christmas. They made a $300 donation to the animal shelter to help with a spay or neuter, sorted food for The Salvation Army and are collecting hats and gloves through the end of the year. Employees will divide the hats and gloves between projects being done at their churches.
“Do you remember what you get or what you give?” said Sherri Matis from State Farm. “We like bringing joy to others.”
Crowtown Yoga also helped the community by having a coat drive.
We collected at least 60 coats for the River View Community Clothing Drive,” said Cindy Kostecki, owner of Crowtown Yoga. “My friend Jodi Shrimplin organizes it all.”
Last year the yoga studio also collected clothes and they do a yearly donation to the local food bank at New Life Ministries.
Helping others makes Kostecki feel very grateful for what she has.
“Helping others is our duty,” she said. “After all we are all just walking each other home.”
Sixth Street Tattoo also is doing a Winter Warm Up through Dec. 31. Bring in new or gently-used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Donated items will be in exchange for raffle tickets. The more items brought in, the greater chances in the raffle drawing. Raffle will include multiple drawings for free tattoos and piercings.
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