Domino’s Donates Pizza-a-Day

In response to the difficult economy, the Domino’s Pizza branch in Ooltewah has decided to give pizza away for free.

“We’re giving a pizza a day to the Samaritan Center,” says David Fields, owner of the Domino’s Pizza in Ooltewah. “We saw a need and through these pizzas we found a way that we could help.”

Now, in addition to the food that people in need can receive from the Center’s food pantry, one family every day will receive a steaming hot pizza with three toppings , a side-order of breadsticks, and a two-liter drink.

“Free pizza is very meaningful to our clients,” says Sharon Smith, Director of Social Services at the Samaritan Center. “First of all, it’s a hot meal that is already prepared, which is really helpful for parents with busy lives. Second, it just shows our clients that our local businesses care about those who are struggling within our community.”

The Samaritan Center has the second-largest food pantry in eastern Hamilton County, giving out around 50,000 food items to individuals and families in need every year. In 2008 alone, the Center helped more than 4,700 individuals with emergency needs and anticipates that this number will be higher than ever in 2009.

Food Lion Grant Helps Clients Eat Healthy

The Samaritan Center has received $2,000 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. The Center will use this money to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for people in need who come to the Center for assistance.

“We’re so excited about this grant,” says Tony Dahlberg, executive director at the Samaritan Center. “We’re thrilled to join hands with Food Lion to help more people with food than ever before.”

The Samaritan Center has the second-largest food pantry in eastern Hamilton County, and the community has been very generous in the past year, helping fill it through numerous food drives. Still, in spite of all the food drives, there is always one deficit: fresh produce.

“Fresh produce can really go a long way in rounding out a person’s diet,” Dahlberg shares. “These items are essential for good health, and now thanks to Food Lion, we can share them with our clients.”

We Need Computer Donations!

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of your old computer but are concerned about private information on your hard drive, the Samaritan Center is the place for you!

Before we sell any computer, we ALWAYS erase the hard drive so that none of your personal information will be passed on.

So next time you think about getting rid of your old computer, think of the Center!

Bi-Lo Boosters Raises $305.40!

Just in our first few months, the Samaritan Center’s involvement in the Bi-Lo Boosters program has brought in $305.40.

To get involved, print off this barcode and swipe it one time with your Bonus Card. After that, every time you make a purchase with your bonus card, the Samaritan Center will receive a percentage of your purchase price.

Thanks so much to the many supporters who faithfully swipe their Boosters cards for the Samaritan Center at Bi-Lo.  Your shopping is making a difference!