GleanSLO had a need, we were really in a pinch. Homeless, you might say…
In August, we discovered that our comfortable storage space in the city of SLO (our central hub housing all gleaning supplies and equipment) was to be sold and we needed to find a new space pronto, before Oct. 1st. We panicked for a brief second. Then we remembered that we are a part of a community that loves all things gleaning. So we shouted our need from the rooftops, the social media mountains and the newsletter outlets. And the most amazing thing happened.
Andy Niner of Niner Wine Estates called and offered to have a Mystery Wine Sale to benefit GleanSLO. He basically gleaned some of his older vintages to make room for newer vintages, sold the Mystery Wine cases (which were a combo of delish older and newer vintages) and gave 100% of the proceeds to GleanSLO to purchase storage space and supplies. The check totaled $6,300! It was like the gleaning gods were all singing in harmony, shining a little light upon us!
There was only one problem.
We had money for a shed, but no property to put it on.
So Andy Niner called his friend over at Meathead Movers. “Hi Aaron. There’s an organization, GleanSLO – from the Food Bank – that needs your help renting storage space. If you can donate a portion of the rent, I’ll fit the bill.” DONE. Meathead Movers donated a space big enough for all of GleanSLO’s equipment with room to grow.
We literally jumped for joy. A lot. (A very excited, and somewhat embarrassing, jumping Jeanine and Jen video: IMG_6989)
This story is worth telling because it reminds us that GleanSLO is a program of the community, for the community, by the community. We recognize that we are blessed to live in a region of such abundance and it is our responsibility to do good with the resources we’ve been given. When the community has a need, we come together to meet the challenge. It doesn’t take much to move mountains! Please help us support our sponsors, Meathead Movers and Niner Wine Estates. Be good to those that keep programs like GleanSLO going strong!
