Goodwill donates food to SVDP
On Wed., April 22 Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona delivered over 9.000 pounds of canned food and pantry items to St. Vincent de Paul. Throughout the year, Goodwill has food donation bins in their stores to help various food banks. St. Vincent de Paul is committed to feeding and helping the most vulnerable in our community during COVID-19. They are providing packaged meals to-go in their dining rooms and this donation of over 9,000 pounds of canned food items will be used immediately.
“We partner with various charities throughout the year,” said Courtney Nelson, VP of marketing and communications for Goodwill. “We realized there’s no better time to donate to St. Vincent de Paul, so they can continue to feed families throughout our community. Our team is very excited to drop off the food at their location. We’re all in this together and it’s nice to see our nonprofit community working together to help each other during these difficult times.”
StringCan Interactive offers free ‘back to business’ marketing support
StringCan Interactive, a Scottsdale digital marketing agency known for accelerating the growth of wellness-focused businesses, today announces efforts to help local healthy restaurants impacted by the new coronavirus.
The firm is offering to help a limited number of restaurants in metro Phoenix with its “Back to Business” marketing program, valued up to $30,000 in total marketing services. At no cost to the restaurants, and no obligation past the free 60 days of marketing services, this is StringCan Interactive’s way of serving fellow businesses during a challenging time and ensuring many of their team’s favorite restaurants survive and thrive.
“StringCan is located in Old Town Scottsdale, and our team of foodies have always enjoyed access to top restaurants and great food in our area,” says Jay Feitlinger, founder & CEO of StringCan. “As we watched restaurants across the Valley take a drastic hit in sales due to COVID-19, we felt compelled to do our part to help. We know many proud local restaurateurs and want to be clear that this is a hand up, not a hand out. During this time, more than ever, we all need to be willing to accept some help. We want to reduce the stress these amazing restaurants are feeling and ensure they’re still in business when life returns back to the new normal, which is why we decided to make the program free. We’re looking forward to helping them by answering their marketing questions, sharing strategies to better engage their customers, and leverage our team of marketers so they can improve their sales.”
The small business marketing program will be donated for 60 days at no charge. During this time the StringCan team will invest resources to understand the restaurant’s goals, evaluate their current marketing efforts, and identify how the restaurant can provide the most value to their current and prospective customers. The agency will look closely at their website, social media, current marketing messaging, competitors, and provide brand and marketing direction, as well as, offer flexible weekly marketing support to help increase customer retention, customer acquisition and improve the restaurant’s overall brand during and after this current pandemic.
“I own YC’s Mongolian Grill and recently received marketing help from StringCan,” says Geoff Stanisic. “I’m really grateful for StringCan’s help, and can attest firsthand to how valuable their small business marketing guidance really is.”
Interested restaurant owners or team members can submit their restaurant for consideration by filling out an inquiry form, which opened to the public today. Submissions will close on Friday, May 1st, 2020, at which point StringCan Interactive’s team will review all submissions and select finalists who will be asked to fill out an onboarding application to collect more information. To qualify, the restaurant needs to be local, not part of a national franchise or chain, offers healthy food options and is a small business under 250 employees across all locations, if more than one location. To learn more or to fill out the inquiry form, please visit: https://bit.ly/restaurantsupportphx.
FSL offers utility assistance and food pantry to more in need
FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) has funds available for Maricopa County residents who need assistance with their utility bills and medical bills. In addition, they have been able to expand their food pantry to help anyone over 60 years of age and those with a disability or chronic health condition.
“We want the community to know, we’re here to help,” said Tom Egan, president and CEO, FSL. “Our team is working hard to ensure seniors and families are getting the assistance they need. We have two options for utility assistance for anyone who is having trouble making APS or SRP payments. Our food pantry is available to seniors who aren’t able to get out and grocery shop.”
Funds can be used towards utility bills, bus or Dial a Ride tickets if you need help getting to medical appointments or other urgent appointments, or even payment towards a medical bill.
Maricopa County residents that need utility assistance (APS, SRP and Southwest Gas), appliance replacement and HVAC repair or replacement should call FSL’s Care Design Program at 602-285-0505 ext. 180 or email carebydesign@fsl.org to discuss qualifications.
Northwest Valley residents (Peoria, Sun Cities, Waddell and Youngtown) can apply for utility assistance through the NW Valley Community Action office. Funding is available for APS and SRP customers. Contact 623-979-3911 ext. 401 or email jsalas@fsl.org to discuss qualifications.
To learn more about our programs or make a donation, visit us at www.fsl.org. FSL has a dedicated page for updates and support on COVID-19 at https://www.fsl.org/covid19/.
AZ Big Media is looking to spotlight those individuals and businesses that have stepped up in the face of the current crisis we are all living through and made a difference in the communities in which we live, work and play. Do you know someone or an organization we should spotlight? Send the details to michael.gossie@azbigmedia.com.
