By Gabe Robinson, Contributing Writer
Gabriel and Jonathan Robinson, ages 12 and 14, respectively, both members of the Bicycle Tree 4H Club, decided to do something a little different this year. Their 4H leader, local dairy farmer Anna Groeneveld, suggested that someone help provide dairy products for local food banks because the dairy industry is working hard to make sure all families can have access to dairy foods.
Gabe and Jon worked hard to raise $100 and their parents matched their fundraising.
Gabe contacted Monroe Grocery Outlet and asked if they could help in any way, donations or discounts. The manager, John Hanes, was impressed with what the boys were doing and gave a $100 gift card. Friends and local farmers Vicki and Scott Furrer donated another $100 toward the cause.
This brought the total amount that the boys were able to raise to $400.
With money in hand, Jon and Gabe went to Monroe Grocery Outlet and were able to purchase 50 -+ gallons of milk, over 200 individual yogurts, 50 blocks of cream cheese and over 30 one-pound packages of sliced cheese.
They took all of this to the Sky Valley Food Bank in Monroe where they met with Neil Watkins, the executive director. He welcomed the boys and thanked them for their generous donation and showed them where all the dairy products went for the food bank and why this specific donation was so needed.
The Sky Valley Food Bank averages 125 families weekly throughout the year, but this number can go up to 400 during the Christmas season. They distribute 850,000 pound of food each year thanks to all the local grocery stores, school drives and individual supporters.
In serving their community this way, they lived out the 4H's creed (head, heart, health and hands). Jon and Gabe are excited to know that their dairy donation would make an immediate difference for local families in need.
Gabe Robinson is a member of Bicycle Tree 4H Club, working with dairy cows, training and showing them in local fairs. Gabe and his brother, Jon, and have been active members in the club for seven years.
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