How Can Crazy Sweaters Be Crazy Helpful?

press release: In an effort to help bring awareness to the need for mobility of our homeless citizens, Metcalfe’s Market invites Madison-area shoppers  to wear a CrAzY holiday sweater to their markets from December 18-20, 2015.  Metcalfe’s will donate one bus pass on behalf of each participating customer these non-profit agencies that support the homeless in our community:  Boys & Girls Club, Porchlight and the Salvation Army.

“Nationally, the average age of a person experiencing homelessness is only 9 years old!  The majority of homeless hold jobs and are desperately trying to escape homelessness and get back on their feet – but most lack mobility,” said Boys & Girls Club of Dane County president Michael Johnson.  Lack of transportation prevents access to vital services such as food, shelter, medical care and job search resources.  Many of the homeless population in our communities have family in the area and donated bus passes will very likely give them the opportunity to visit family during the holiday season.  “By giving them the gift of transportation over this holiday season, with our customers’ help, we just want to give them a little hope,” said Tim Metcalfe, co-owner of Metcalfe’s Market.

Customers who want to show their support for our homeless citizens by wearing a CrAzY Sweater can stop by the guest service desk at Metcalfe’s Hilldale or West Towne to receive an “I was crazy helpful” sticker.  For each sticker distributed, Metcalfe’s will donate one bus pass to the homeless community (up to a $5000 value).  Metcalfe’s employees will also be getting into the giving spirit, wearing their own holiday sweaters and stickers– with a bus pass donation for every employee sticker distributed, too.

According to www.porchlight.org, Madison’s homeless population is estimated at over 3,500.  Madison public schools track the number of homeless students and there are an estimated 987 homeless students in the school district at present – that’s about one in 20, which means there is one homeless student in every classroom.  Metcalfe’s plans to include youth bus passes as part of the donation - to address the needs of homeless students.

For customers or concerned citizens who would like to give a Gift of Hope this holiday season and can’t get to Metcalfe’s, donations can also be made at https://www.gofundme.com/TheGiftofhope.

For more information about Metcalfe’s partner agencies, visit their websites here:

The Salvation Army (Dane County) - www.salvationarmydanecounty.org

Boys & Girls Club (Dane County) - www.bgcdc.org

Porchlight – www.porchlightinc.org