Nov. 9, 2019

Editor’s Note: This is the story of what is now the third year of a food drive for the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) started by Dave and Daneen Thurman.

We started this in 2017. I had never had a birthday party and wanted to do something for my 60th, but we didn’t need anything and you know how folks are, they get a gift. Both Dave and I have birthday’s in November and decided to make it a joint effect.

I thought, “There are lots of folks in town who NEED something…what if we did a “foodraiser” for REAP?” So that’s what we did. We talked to REAP, and got REAP Director Michael Watson’s blessing and over the past two years we’ve gathered over 2,000 pounds of food and a little over $2,000. I never had a better birthday than that first year. I was so stunned. We expected 10-20 people. There were over 50 that showed up just for us.

We have a couple of extra partners this year. We have always had help and involvement from Crane Brewing. Christopher Meyers, Crane co-founder, had always wanted to do something for REAP and he was excited to help us.

Randy and Dawn Miller did a food drive north of the river on Halloween. Yearly, they did this already and donated to different groups. They brought a couple of car loads to us. Raytown BMX did a food drive for their last race of the year. That night, before we left, we scheduled the second year. We didn’t want to cut into their business, but they decided to donate a portion of sales for that night and it was a Friday night. This year, it’s going to be Saturday, November 16th. Champions Gymnastics Academy, on Raytown Road, has reached out, as well as Wendy McDermott at Synergy One Lending. Wilma’s Good Food will have a special thing or two with a portion going to REAP. Andy Gallant from Cuento Coffee also has something planned for the day.

We hope folks will come out and bring food or make a donation, but we also want folks to support the people and businesses who let us do this.

Here is a list of things REAP needs:

Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid/detergent, tuna, canned chicken, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned vegetables (other than green beans or corn), canned beans.