What began as two businesses collaborating on a project supported by Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce quickly became a “sister project” involving the community. Christi Murray of 1-800-Textiles and Dana Bryant representing Bryant Funeral Home decided to work together on providing a complete Thanksgiving food box for the Salvation Army at the November Chamber Connect luncheon. The initial shopping trip was October 26th. While haggling over the best deal for the greatest quantity of food, the two decided to take to social media offering to purchase and package all items needed for the food boxes. Not only would this give people with limited time and funds an opportunity to participate but would alleviate some of the stress on an already strapped Salvation Army staff. The first post published on October 27th for Find-A-Way Friday. The second post published on the 29th for Make-It-Happen-Monday; and the rest, as the old saying goes, is history. Forty-five boxes were loaded on the Salvation Army truck for the Chamber Connect meeting. To date, the project results include 81 boxes for the Salvation Army and one special request to shop for a local organization adopting a family at Thanksgiving.
Both Christi and Dana believe their employment in service industries really falls under the ministry category. The sisters are lifelong residents of Decatur County and share a deep love for their community and its people. While bonding over cases of macaroni & cheese and bags of flour, the sisters have seen an outpouring of the giving spirit our community is known for. Shoppers want to hear the story of why this train of carts is wheeling through the store with giggling sisters loading green beans. On several occasions when the story was shared, listeners contributed to the cause. Christi and Dana agree when you feel the nudge, it is time to take action. The sisters also know the benefit of a partnership that has brought more blessings than they can count. With just ten days to go, the sisters are eager to purchase & package a box filled with food and love given to those in need with a spirit of charity. If you want in on the action, contact Dana @ 229-246-3321. You can drop off cash or checks at her office (105 N. Florida Street in Bainbridge), Venmo @Dana-Bryant-11, PayPal @dbryant343 or Cash App @CMurray9999, just be sure to earmark funds SA Thanksgiving boxes.
