In our seventh year – the most challenging yet – we weren’t sure how things would go with our annual Cram the Van campaign.
Now, as we wrap up stops in all seven of our districts, we find ourselves humbled and in awe of the generosity of the communities we serve!
As an electric cooperative, “Concern for Community” is one of our governing principles. That is, we work for the sustainable development of our communities through policies supported by our members.
Over the last six years, Cram the Van has collected more than 47 tons (95,527 lbs.) of food donations, which have all been delivered to the local food banks in the communities in which they were donated.
Amid a public health pandemic and with so much uncertainty and challenge, we knew we needed to act, even if things looked different this year.
To that end, we once again drove our big ole extended red van – the largest in our fleet – across our southwest and southcentral Kansas communities to serve up hot-off-the-grill hamburgers and hot dogs and collect as many canned and other non-perishable food items as possible!
To keep everyone safe and ensure social distancing, we set up a drive-through style collection and distribution system, amassing donations in large drop-off bins and distributing hamburgers and hot dogs in pre-packaged containers.
At the time of publication, we haven’t yet added up our food or fund totals; however, we are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together! Stayed tuned to next month’s Kansas Country Living (or follow us on social media) for our final figures, and in the meantime, there is still time to make a donation online to your local food bank: https://www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive!
Thank you to our members across our service territory who have helped us Cram the Van! Members helping members, in the spirit of this giving season!
This year’s Cram the Van events were held drive-thru style with a donation drop off and food pick-up so members did not have to exit their vehicle. In exchange for their non-perishable or cash donation, members were treated to a to-go lunch of hamburgers or hot dogs, chips, a cookie and water.
