CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread supports charitable and community experiences coast to coast. Being an American owned and operated company, founded and led by the Martin family since 1955, Martin's supports the local community, service personnel, and charities that help others to live better lives. From supporting an Operation Smile dinner on the California coast, to raising money through social media for food banks in major metropolitan areas, to sponsoring local soccer teams in Chambersburg, PA, Martin's employees have been making a difference!
This summer was no different. An employee initiative known as the Community Crew participated in the Operation Gratitude Donation Drive. Employees donated items such as essential hygiene products, stuffed animals, hand-written cards, and much more to go towards care packages for U.S. service members deployed overseas, as well as first responders, veterans, wounded heroes, and caregivers. Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 1.5 million care packages.
The Gleaning Project is a community endeavor in the Chambersburg, PA area in which people gather on designated farmland to harvest any produce that was missed by farmers. This produce is sent to food banks for healthy food options. In 2015, The Gleaning Project saved 300,000 lbs. of fresh local produce from eighty donating farms, orchards, and gardens. Those fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed for free to over 23,000 local community members in need with the help of 70 distributing community partners. A group of Martin's employees volunteered to help glean sweet corn – and were able to glean 960 pounds! – which was then donated to a local elderly care program and two other food charities that feed the hungry in the downtown area.
The Make a Wish Foundation held a truck convoy through Martin's local town of Chambersburg on historic Route 30, also known as Lincoln Highway. Along with 110 other trucks, Martin's/MFPS Transport participated with a sponsorship as well as a show of two of their iconic vehicles. Both modern and antique trucks paraded through the town in grand support of this worthy charity helping kids who need some happiness and support.
"We do what we can to help. We believe in serving God's people and we are blessed to get to work with teammates who have the same passion to serve. It makes working together that much more meaningful!" says Julie Martin, social media manager and granddaughter to founders Lloyd and Lois Martin.
Martin's employees will continue to support local initiatives such as a 5K run for memory support in November at a local retirement community. "We just like being involved in our community!" says Julie.
Source: Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.
