Give Back campaign aims to collect 4,000 canned goods to feed hungry during holidays

The Republic Chamber of Commerce is leading a special effort to collect food for those in need over the Christmas season. The goal of the Give Back campaign is to collect 4,000 cans of food for People Helping People by Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Chamber members to collect canned food items at business locations:

Macy Mitchell, executive director of the chamber, said the idea of the campaign is for the chamber to take the lead in helping the less fortunate.
“It's an opportunity for the Republic Chamber to lead by example,” he said. “To rally our local businesses to give back to those in need during the season of giving.”
During the campaign, chamber members are being encouraged to print and post a flier outside of their places of business advertising they are collecting canned goods for the needy. Mitchell said he had personally made efforts similar to the Give Back campaign before becoming executive director of the chamber, and in his new role, wanted to “use it for as much good as possible.”
“Long before being the chamber director, it's been something I've done personally with our businesses, by partnering with non-profits annually,” he said. “So, when I took over the Chamber earlier this year as the director, I felt this was a platform I was blessed with and in turn, want to use it for as much good as possible, so I am now focused on partnering and helping make this biggest impact ever for those in need in our area and beyond.”

Other ways to help:

Collecting canned food is not the only way Mitchell is encouraging chamber members to give back to the community. He is also suggesting they take part in the Adopt a Child for Christmas program through People Helping People, where they can purchase Christmas presents for a child in need, or participate in Giving Tuesday at Convoy of Hope on Nov. 30.
At Convoy of Hope, Mitchell said, volunteers can be part of ensuring food gets to children around the world. Mitchell said he plans to be there with the employees from both of his businesses, and he hopes other chamber members will also take part.
“I am bringing my staff of both of our local businesses, and encouraging other business owners to do the same,” he said. “Based on how many people we have, Convoy will select a task for us that is currently unknown. In years past when I have done this with our businesses, it has been packing bags of noodles, or building pallets of food to ship somewhere in the world to help with Convoy's mission of feeding one million children per day, worldwide.”

Helping to create a better tomorrow for Republic:

By working together to help those in need, Mitchell said, chamber members can ensure that 2022 is a great year not only for themselves, but the entire City of Republic.
“We can't have a unified and strong community unless everyone does a small piece,” he said. “Encouraging and serving others is one of the best ways to do this. The Republic Chamber wants to lead by example. This is the time to step up and bless others if you are in a position to do so.  Leave pride to the side, and do what's right and let this season of giving be a catalyst and a spark into making the year 2022 the best year yet.”
For more information about Christmas assistance through People Helping People, go online to www.republicphp.com, visit their Facebook page or call (417)732-5464. For more information about volunteering with Convoy of Hope on Giving Tuesday, call (417) 823-8998, go online to www.convoyofhope.org, or visit their Facebook page. More information about the Give Back campaign, go online to the chamber’s Facebook page or call (417) 732-5200.
Please note that while the Give Back campaign is focused on encouraging chamber members to give back to the community, the volunteer opportunities mentioned here are open to all members of the general public.