The Chiropractic Wellness Center in Merrill held their annual “Helping Hands” food drive, which collects both non-perishable food items and monetary donations for those who may need a little help during the holiday season. ”We had our annual Food Drive again in November at the Clinic, and it was a huge success!” said Dr. Katherine Gress of the Chiropractic Wellness Center.
The November 2023 annual drive collected 298 pounds of food and $435 which was all delivered to the Merrill Community Food Pantry.
While The Chiropractic Wellness Center has been holding the food drive for nearly two decades, Gress said she is still blown away each year by how the community comes together to help, “I am beyond grateful for all the generosity,” she said. “Our patients are wonderful, and the response to our food drive was incredible. I think our patients even had fun seeing the grocery carts in our office get filled. It means so much to know that we are all making a difference in our community, and helping those in need.”
To have a little fun and encourage donations, the office held a friendly competition between “The Doctors” and “The Staff.” Clients who visited the office on S. Center Ave., and wished to donate, could pick if they wanted their donation to go to either side by placing their food items into the appropriately labeled and creatively decorated shopping cart. “Of course, a huge thanks to everyone who donated, but I also want to thank Golden Harvest for lending us the use of their grocery carts to fill in our office,” Gress said.
This year, “The Staff” came out on top, with each winning team member receiving a paid day of vacation. Clients who donated were also eligible for specials and had the chance to win things such as clinic cash, essential oils, and a Golden Harvest Market Gift Card.