January 3, 2020
Nearly 80 percent of associates across the GSF family of companies gave their time, talent and treasure in 2019 to help 80,000 children in need through programs and grantmaking. Collectively, GSF Foundation volunteers donated 6,400 hours serving the communities where GSF associates live and work.
“At the heart of GSF Foundation is all of us rolling up our sleeves to do good together,” said Foundation Executive Director Tess McAnena. “What a remarkable impact associates have made on the lives of our neighbors in need this year. I look forward to collaborating with all of our local committees on the associate-led efforts ahead of us in the new year.”
Best Foot Forward: 1,240 pairs of shoes donated This core Foundation program provides new shoes that enable children to participate in their schools’ physical education programs. Having the right shoes to participate in school fitness activities helps combat rapidly increasing obesity rates in at-risk children, which also leads to improved attitudes and greater self-esteem.
Bike Building Program: 300 bikes built Volunteers provide second-grade and third-grade school children in need with their own, and often very first, bicycle that they build themselves under the guidance of a caring mentor. This program teaches fundamental life skills such as goal setting, safety, the value of hard work to achieve goals, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.
In addition to backpacks, bikes and shoes, Foundation volunteers raised funds for local food banks to provide 138,000 meals to those in need. In 2020, GSF Foundation will introduce a new core program to continue fighting hunger. Stay tuned for details coming in the months ahead!