Goodman Center sees record demand for Thanksgiving Baskets

Contact:
Amie Hoag, Asst. Dir. of Communications
Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa Street | Madison, WI 53704
920-737-2445 | amie@goodmancenter.org 

Goodman Center sees record demand for Thanksgiving Baskets
The Center was forced to close registration two days early 

Madison, WI  Nov. 2, 2020 – The Goodman Community Center has closed registration for its Thanksgiving Baskets two days early, due to higher-than-ever demand. GCC plans to provide 4,000 families with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and those registration spots have all been filled. 

“This is bittersweet, really. On the one hand, we’re glad so many people knew about the program and see Goodman as a place they can rely on for help,” said Francesca Frisque, GCC Food Pantry Coordinator. “On the other hand, we worry about the people who weren’t able to register because we had to close. This is an exceptionally hard year for so many, and we truly wish we could provide every family who needs it with a full Thanksgiving meal.” 

As it is, the Center will work hard to provide the 4,000 people who registered with a meal, and they’ll need the help of the community to make that happen. “Achieving our goal feels more important this year than any other,” said Frisque. 

The Goodman Center recommends that community members who would like to help by donating food start gathering items now so that by the time donations are open, they will have a bag or two to drop off. Those who are interested can also host a food drive at their work, place of worship, club or neighborhood. A downloadable kit with tips, posters and shopping lists can be found at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. 

For those interested in making a financial contribution, the Center has created a virtual fundraiser kit, also available at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. Or, individuals can make financial donations at goodmancenter.org/donate. 

“We’ve got a big task in front of us,” said Frisque, “but we’ve seen our community come together to help their neighbors year after year. We’re confident we’ll be able to provide a little comfort to 4,000 Dane County families this Thanksgiving, and we’re so thankful for everyone who has already stepped up and who will step up to help.” 

For anyone who tried to register but could not, the Center will hand out left-over full and partial baskets, as well as turkeys on Tuesday, Nov. 24, starting at 10am. No appointment is necessary, and food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the Center runs out. 

About the Goodman Community Center 

The Goodman Community Center is the largest community center in Dane County. The center offers many programs to strengthen the lives of preschoolers through teens, meals and social activities for older adults, a food pantry, a gymnasium and fitness center, catering services and community space. For more information about the Center, visit goodmancenter.org. 

Find Goodman Community Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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First-day Thanksgiving Baskets registrations at Goodman Center break all previous records

More than 2,200 families registered for GCC’s Thanksgiving Baskets 

Madison, WI Oct. 13, 2020 – On Monday, Oct. 12, the Goodman Community Center opened registration for its annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, and 2,216 families and individuals have signed up to receive a basket. This is nearly 1,000 more registrants than the same time last year.  

“We’ve seen unprecedented levels of demand in our food pantry since the coronavirus hit Wisconsin, so this outpouring of requests early on in the registration process isn’t surprising,” said Francesca Frisque, Goodman Center Food Pantry Coordinator. “Obviously, we wish people didn’t have to worry about where their holiday meal will come from, but we’re also glad that we can be a reliable source of help.” 

For the last 32 years, the Goodman Center has provided Dane County families with everything they need to prepare a Thanksgiving meal at home, and this year, the Center has set a goal of serving 4,000 families.  

The registration period is scheduled to run through Oct. 23, but GCC may be forced to close registration early. This record setting pace has the Goodman Community Center concerned about its capacity to reach everyone and about the state of hunger in our community. 

As in previous years, the Goodman Center has partnered with MMSD social workers to identify families in highest need and ensure they get registered for a basket. The Center has also made the registration process easy, creating a simple online form that is available in three languages: English, Spanish and Hmong. 

Many people still call in to register by phone. “Our registration line was ringing off the hook yesterday, and we expect that to continue,” said Frisque. “We’re so thankful for the volunteers who are willing to help field the calls and answer questions. We’re lucky to have the most supportive community around.” 

The Goodman Community Center is seeking community support by way of food donations, financial contributions and volunteers. It will take a village to provide 4,000 Dane County families with a Thanksgiving feast. People who are interested in helping can learn more at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. 

How to register for a basket: 

Registration is open to Dane County residents from Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Oct. 23. 

• Register online: goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving 
• Register by phone: 608-204-8018, Mon. – Fri., 12:30 – 6pm.  

How to help: 

• Host a food drive (in person or virtual): We have photos, posters, grocery lists and helpful tips to make your drive successful. Downloadable files are available on our website: goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. 
• Make a financial gift: Funds raised are used to purchase turkeys, perishable items and items needed to completely fill baskets. Donate online at goodmancenter.org/donate 
• Volunteer your time: Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Contact GCC Volunteer Manager Mai Lor Yang for more information: mailor@goodmandenter.org or 608-204-8056. 

About the Goodman Community Center 

The Goodman Community Center is the largest community center in Dane County. The center offers many programs to strengthen the lives of preschoolers through teens, meals and social activities for older adults, a food pantry, a gymnasium and fitness center, catering services and community space. For more information about the Center, visit goodmancenter.org. 

Find Goodman Community Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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Goodwill SCWI to Host Online “Cost-Zoom” Contest

David Johnson
Communications Coordinator
djohnson@goodwillscwi.org
608-438-7775

October 7, 2020

Goodwill SCWI to Host Online “Cost-Zoom” Contest

Madison, WI – The countdown to Halloween has started! While things will look a little different this year, people are still excited about the spookiest holiday of the year.

In the spirit of having a safe Halloween celebration, Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin is holding an online “Cost-Zoom” contest. Just take a photo of your best look from items purchased at Goodwill and post it on our Facebook or Instagram page for a chance to win a shopping spree at Goodwill! Go to our home page for more information on the contest.

We think this would make a great segment for your morning show or newspaper. A member of our Goodwill staff is available for interviews and can provide b-roll or photos if needed.

Finding just the right costume this year doesn’t have to be difficult, even during a pandemic. Thrift stores like Goodwill have long been identified as a great resource for shoppers to find everything needed to create a unique and creative look. Whether gathering for a backyard party or a Zoom celebration with family and friends, Goodwill has everything needed for a unique, one-of-a-kind look.

Our Halloween shop-within-a-shop are open in all 13 retail locations including our newest store in downtown Verona. Shoppers are encouraged to shop early and celebrate all season long!

Remember, shopping at Goodwill is about getting more than a great deal, it’s also about making a difference in the community by supporting our mission! The dollars spent in our retail stores help fund job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities.

About Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin

Goodwill SCWI is a local nonprofit operating 13 stores in the South Central region. The stores exist as the economic engine for Goodwill’s mission services, providing career guidance, supported employment and residential services to people with disabilities, mental health concerns and other barriers to employment and independent living.

Goodman Center to open registration for annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive

PRESS RELEASE, for immediate release 

Contact:
Amie Hoag, Asst. Dir. of Communications
Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa Street | Madison, WI 53704
920-737-2445 | amie@goodmancenter.org 

Goodman Center to open registration for annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive
The Center is expecting higher demand this year than any year before 

Madison, WI  Oct. 6, 2020 – The Goodman Community Center has announced the registration period for their annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive: Oct. 12-23. This will be the 32nd year that the Center has provided the fixings for families to make full Thanksgiving meals at home, and they’ve set their goal at 4,000 meals distributed this year. 

“We’re expecting demand to be higher this year than any other year before, so we’ve set a goal of 4,000 meals,” said GCC Food Pantry Coordinator Francesca Frisque. “Though families probably won’t be able to gather in the large groups they’re used to, we hope these meals will bring them a little comfort and familiarity in these unprecedented times.” 

The Goodman Center’s Fritz Food Pantry saw a 300% increase in demand in the weeks following the coronavirus coming to Wisconsin, and that demand has not slowed down in the months that followed. Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves food pantries across the country, issued a report that predicted a 60% increase in food insecurity nationwide.  

“We’re seeing a lot of new faces at the pantry each week, people who never thought they’d need to use a service like ours,” said Frisque. “We have every reason to believe more people will be in need of help this season, and we’ll need our community to help us achieve this lofty goal.” 

Community members who would like to help can make financial donations online at goodmancenter.org, host a food drive or volunteer to help with food sorting and distribution. Find more information at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving.

How to register for a basket: 

Registration is open to Dane County residents from Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Oct. 23. 

• Register online: goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving 
• Register by phone: 608-204-8018, Mon. – Fri., 12:30 – 6pm.  

How to help: 

• Host a food drive (in person or virtual): GCC has provided photos, posters, grocery lists and helpful tips to make your drive successful. Downloadable files are available on their website: goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. 
• Make a financial gift: Funds raised are used to purchase turkeys, perishable items and items needed to completely fill baskets. Donate online at goodmancenter.org/donate 
• Volunteer your time: Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Contact GCC Volunteer Manager Mai Lor Yang for more information: mailor@goodmandenter.org or 608-204-8056. 

About the Goodman Community Center 

The Goodman Community Center is the largest community center in Dane County. The center offers many programs to strengthen the lives of preschoolers through teens, meals and social activities for older adults, a food pantry, a gymnasium and fitness center, catering services and community space. For more information about the Center, visit goodmancenter.org. 

Find Goodman Community Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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Thysse Partners with Arch Electric for Solar Roof Install

Innovation Meets Sustainability as Thysse Expands Renewables

[Oregon, WI] – Thysse, a 3rd generation and family-owned Oregon business, is best known for generating innovative brand solutions while serving the local community. The company completed a move to a new campus in the Oregon Business Park in July, increasing services and capacity to better serve clients and prepare for the future. That future also includes an eye toward sustainability and renewable energy. Thysse began working with Legacy Solar Cooperative last year to find a way to replace as much as half of their conventional electricity with clean power. After being awarded a USDA Rural Energy for America Program grant, the company partnered with co-op member Arch Electric – headquartered in Plymouth with service across much of the state – to install bi-facial panels.

“Thysse is always looking for ways to innovate in our business. We’re already using the most energy-efficient printing technology, so it was natural to look to more sustainable measures for the new building as well,” said Jason Thysse, company president. “We’re proud to take this step toward offsetting our emissions footprint and produce our own clean power.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Thysse and help realize their goal of adopting clean energy to power its operations,” said Arch Electric President Ed Zinthefer. “Arch is committed to continue investing in our state and delivering a quality product as we expand renewable energy in Wisconsin. Our thanks to Thysse and Legacy Solar Cooperative for making this project happen.”

Thysse’s rooftop will house a solar array of 850 bi-facial, photo-voltaic ‘pv’ panels. The system is expected to produce approximately 350,000 kW hours annually, sequestering more than half a million pounds of CO2 every year, the equivalent of planting over 6,500 trees. Bi-facial panels represent a recent development in the solar industry, generating power both directly from the sun and indirectly from reflected light. With this refinement, panels produce 10-20 percent more power and shed snow faster in the winter.

About Thysse

Thysse is an ever-evolving company built by three generations of visual communication specialists. We like to say Thysse is “Where you go with your brand” and provide innovative solutions to back up that statement. We are a design, printing, specialty graphics, and manufacturing company at our core, but we also offer imagination and the tools to customize your project to find the right solution every time.

We believe the story your brand tells is as important as the materials it is printed on, and we’re here to help you think through every step of your project, be it direct mail, catalog, fleet vehicles, apparel, signage, or environmental wayfinding. Give us a call and see where your brand can go with us.

To stay up to date with what’s happening at Thysse, visit www.thysse.com.

About Arch

Electric Arch Electric, Inc. – recently named a 2020 Top Solar Contractor – is a Sheboygan County, Wisconsin-based electrical contractor specializing in solar and related fields such as energy storage systems, EV charging, utility solar, residential and commercial/industrial solar and storage, along with operations and maintenance services. Today, Arch is considered the largest vertical provider of solar in Wisconsin. Its mission is to educate, inspire, and empower current and future generations to choose a clean, sustainable form of energy.

About Legacy Solar Cooperative

Legacy Solar Co-op is a Wisconsin-based, member-owned cooperative providing solar and energy efficiency products and services. Our goal is to bring people together to support local and statewide solar and other clean energy initiatives. We believe that the future of our planet depends on taking action now. The “Legacy” in Legacy Solar Co-op refers to the endurance of the solar projects we support, which will last for four decades or more. It’s also a reference to the collective contribution we make toward a clean, renewable energy supply for our communities.