GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) — One Green Bay nonprofit is fighting to bring in over 18,000 meals by the end of November.
"Now, we help to feed 600 students over the Christmas holiday break," volunteer Kathleen Johnson said.
Johnson founded a group called George's Secret Elves. The aim this month is to get enough food donations to serve hundreds of hungry Northeast Wisconsin children, veterans and more with what's called the 'Feed Their Bellies' project.
"You can actually know that it's helping your very own community, knowing that it's helping people in your backyard possibly," Johnson said.
As the holidays approach, she says some haven't been able to donate as many goods as in some years past.
"Don't ever think 'well, I can only give one box of Mac & Cheese,'" Johnson said. "Oh my gosh. Give the one box of Mac & Cheese. You're totally helping to feed somebody. That's a meal."
Whether it's a can of ravioli or a box of granola bars, Johnson needs to bring in a total of 20,000 food items.
With another Halloween in the books, Northeast Wisconsinites are already getting into the giving spirit this holiday season.
— Ben Bokun (@ben_bokun) November 1, 2021
One Green Bay nonprofit, George's Secret Elves, aims to gather enough food to serve 600 local students as well as shelter residents, veterans and more. pic.twitter.com/5u3a414ZHd
"Sounds like we're never gonna make it, but every year we make it," she said. "And we make it because people genuinely do love, support generosity."
As this year's collection continues, Johnson says it's already been hard to keep her nonprofit's doors open.
"Covid knocked out 25 of our fundraisers," she said. "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom... just like that."
But she wants to continue feeding people who need the help.
"I don't want Year 10 to be our final year," Johnson said. "We've done this for a decade. We put our heart into this project."
Whether it's a meal or a cash donation, George's Secret Elves wants the community to know its help will go toward a good cause.
"If you want a feel-good way to give back, please help us," Johnson said.
Those wishing to help can drop off or send donations to 727 E. Walnut Street Lower Suite B, Green Bay WI 54301. 'Feed Their Bellies' also has its own GoFundMe here.
