Hello everyone! It’s me, Deanna McKinley, public relations coordinator for Frito-Lay North America. I’m back on Snack Chat today to tell you about an exciting community service event we co-sponsored on Monday.
August 9, 2010, had a great little calendar listing this year, “8-9-10.” It also happened to be Jenny Birgé’s birthday. Jenny Birgé is a manager on Frito-Lay’s research and development team. Last year, on 8-9-09, Jenny reflected on her life and wondered what she could do to make a big impact in the community. Through her many volunteer endeavors, she knew hunger and literacy were big issues in Dallas. So, she met with leaders here at Frito-Lay and in the community, and with the help of our partners, Kroger and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, an event known as "8-9-10” was born.
On Monday, 8-9-10, Jenny and Frito-Lay CFO Nancy Loewe kicked off the 8-9-10 canned food and book drive. More than 250 Girl Scouts descended onto the parking lot of Kroger at Mockingbird Station in Dallas, where each girl loaded eight cans and nine books onto the back of a Frito-Lay truck. Canned goods will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. Books will benefit the KIPP Truth Academy.
On top of the can and book donations, Girl Scouts also were challenged to complete a “Perfect 10” community service project of their own to receive a badge. One girl invited 10 friends who each donated eight cans of food and nine books. Another troop donated 10 hours of service to a residential facility for senior citizens.
And then there was a little girl who shared my name, Deanna. Twelve-year-old Deanna rallied her troop to create 10 care packages filled with games and fun activities to give to kids staying at Children’s Medical Center. Deanna came up with this “Perfect 10” idea thanks to her own experience in the hospital. While undergoing chemotherapy treatments for eight years, Deanna was often “unentertained” at the hospital, and wanted to help other kids have more fun during their stays. I was really impressed with her spirit of giving back.
The 8-9-10 event started with one idea, from one individual. One birthday, one act of selflessness from Jenny Birgé, and a company mobilized into action with partners scrambling to assist. Now, families will be fed, kids will learn to read, and Girl Scouts -- from Daisies to Ambassadors -- will impact Dallas for the better. Makes you wonder what ideas you can dream up today to make an impact on your community, doesn’t it? So, tell us, what is your “Perfect 10?”
- Deanna
The 8-9-10 drive will continue for two weeks. Seven Kroger stores across the Dallas area will accept donations from any resident until Aug. 23, 2010:
• Allen: 1320 W McDermott Road, Allen, TX 75013
• Dallas: 5665 E Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75206
• Duncanville: 200 West Camp Wisdom Road, Duncanville, TX 75116
• Lewisville: 1305 S State Hwy 121, Lewisville, TX 75067
• Irving: 7505 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75063
• Plano: 3305 Dallas Pkwy Plano, TX 75093
• Rockwall: 2935 Ridge Road, Rockwall, TX 75032
Jenny is not only a great employee, but a kind-hearted and generous human being. She shared her 8-9-10 idea with me very early in the process. It has been a privilege to watch this nugget of an idea come together through her passion and the excited responses of others. Way to go Jenny!
Posted by: Annette Brown | August 12, 2010 at 11:13 AM