Giant names 2024 Make a Difference Challenge recipients
Giant announced the recipient organizations of its second Make a Difference Challenge. A total of $250,000 was awarded to 24 nonprofit organizations, all of which are focused on initiatives that help create healthier communities.
“From expanding fresh produce distribution to offering opportunities to children with disabilities, each of these organizations are undertaking projects within our local communities that have a direct impact on creating a healthier future for families,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and charitable giving, at Giant. “Our Make a Difference Challenge is about recognizing and assisting organizations who are going above and beyond to make a difference for their neighbors, and the Giant Co. is honored to support their work.”
Organizations were nominated by Giant team members and evaluated by a panel of judges comprised of company leadership. Judges determined if organizations would receive either a $15,000 or a $5,000 award based on the review of entries.
[Read more: Giant recognizes team members at annual business meeting]
Those organizations awarded $15,000 each include:
- Camelot for Children, Allentown, Pa.
- The Children’s Home of Reading, Reading, Pa.
- Cocoa Packs, Hershey, Pa.
- The Infinite Mission, Media, Pa.
- Kennett Area Community Service, Kennett Square, Pa.
- Keystone Opportunity Center, Souderton, Pa.
- Kidz Power Pacs – Community Combined Ministries, Martinsburg, W. Va.
- The Nehemiah Project, Altoona, Pa.
- The People’s Kitchen, Philadelphia, Pa.
- Power Packs Project, Lancaster, Pa.
- Project Share of Carlisle, Carlisle, Pa.
- Snipes Farm and Education Center, Morrisville, Pa.
“Our organization, The Infinite Mission, is honored to have been selected as a recipient of this year’s Make a Difference Challenge. This award will significantly support our Operation Nourish Our Heroes Network mission by helping us provide essential meals to food-insecure veterans and their families across Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Michael DiMaio, founder and director, of The Infinite Mission. “With this funding, we will be able to expand our reach, ensuring that more veterans receive the nourishment they need, and continue our commitment to serving those who have served our country.”
[Read more: Giant releases community impact report]
Those organizations receiving $5,000 for their initiatives include:
- Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, Bloomsburg, Pa.
- Bright Futures – Frederick/Winchester, Winchester, Va.
- City Year Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.
- First Class Children’s Foundation, DuBois, Pa.
- Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS), Elizabethtown, Pa.
- Hanna’s Pantry, Harrisburg, Pa.
- Home of the Sparrow in Exton, Exton, Pa.
- Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission, Hagerstown, Md.
- Moms Offering Moms Support, Easton, Pa.
- Pennridge FISH Organization, Perkasie, Pa.
- Rachel & Troy Foundation, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
- Warminster Food Bank, Warminster, Pa.
“Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS) is grateful to be a recipient of the 2024 Make a Difference Challenge,” said Lee Eckert, recreation director of Gears. “This award will significantly support our Gears nutrition and fitness program by helping us provide healthier meal options and fitness resources to our community, promoting overall well-being and a healthier lifestyle for all.”
In addition, Snipes Farm and Education Center received an additional $5,000 through an online Community Award. Kidz Power Pacs—Community Combined Ministries also received an additional $5,000 after being named the recipient of the Giant Choice Award, which team members from Giant determined.
Giant held its first Make a Difference Challenge in 2023 as a way to honor the company’s legacy of giving by supporting organizations that are feeding the future, promoting healthier people and a healthier planet.