River Street Sweets Sweetens the Pot for Local Kids in Need
In the charming city of Savannah, there’s a delightful buzz surrounding the local candy heroes at River Street Sweets. Known for their mouthwatering treats, they also have a heart as sweet as their pralines! For the eighth consecutive year, the candy-making geniuses have opened their hearts and wallets, donating a whopping $20,582.86 from their annual Pralines Day campaign to the Kids Cafe program. This remarkable initiative is part of Feeding America, the largest charity on a mission to tackle hunger across the U.S.
What is Kids Cafe?
So, what exactly does Kids Cafe do? Well, it’s a life-changing program, especially for children who might not have access to proper meals after school or even during the day! Locally run under the umbrella of Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Kids Cafe provides not only nutritious after-school meals but also tutoring and a safe space for at-risk kids. It’s a beautiful program that ensures no child has to face hunger while they’re growing and learning.
A Sweet Commitment to the Community
The co-owner of River Street Sweets, Jennifer Strickland, shared her thoughts on this wonderful initiative. “While we love making and selling candy, we are well aware that not everyone can afford it. We don’t want any child going to bed at night or waking up in the morning with a hungry belly, so we are happy to help the Kids Cafe program in any way we can.” Isn’t that just heartwarming?
Record-Breaking Donations!
Over the last seven years, River Street Sweets has played a crucial role in providing over 238,000 meals to kids in need. Can you believe that? Last year alone, their efforts contributed to a massive one-third of that total. And this year? They set an ambitious goal of reaching enough funds to provide 100,000 meals, and they didn’t just meet it—they exceeded it! They’re proudly donating enough to cover almost 103,000 meals!
Inspiring Creativity for a Cause
This year, River Street Sweets also teamed up with the talented artist James Dean, renowned for his beloved Pete the Cat children’s books. He lent his creativity to design a special commemorative tee-shirt, with all profits going directly to Kids Cafe. His artistic touch not only brings smiles to kids’ faces but also helps fill their bellies. Now that’s what we call a win-win!
A Tradition Born from a Heartfelt Need
But do you know the origin of Kids Cafe? The program started right in Savannah back in 1989, and the heartwarming story goes that it sprouted when two small, hungry boys broke into a community center looking for food. After local residents read about this in the newspaper, they rallied together to provide meals, and thus, Kids Cafe was born. It grew immensely and, in 1993, it became part of Feeding America.
Giving Back is Key
Jennifer Strickland emphasized the importance of giving back, saying, “As leaders in the hospitality business, giving back is a priority for us. Our River Street Sweets family and our franchise brand are proud to keep helping children and families in need.” It’s this kind of community spirit that truly makes Savannah special!
This Sweet Partnership Keeps Growing
Through love, effort, and an unwavering commitment to helping their community, River Street Sweets and Kids Cafe are crafting a brighter future for countless children. Their relationship goes far beyond sweets; it’s about nourishing dreams, filling belly, and spreading joy. Bravo, River Street Sweets—you’re truly making the world a sweeter place!
