Downtown Perry launches ‘Cans for Kindness’ food drive to help families during SNAP delays

Through November 21, shoppers can donate canned goods at participating downtown Perry businesses for a 10% discount while helping local food banks and families in need.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Businesses across Perry are coming together to support local families affected by the government shutdown and SNAP benefit delays by donating canned items to downtown stores.

Through November 21, shoppers can bring five canned food items to any participating downtown Perry business to receive 10% off their purchase. All donations will go toward families in need this holiday season during these challenging times.

Many families are under pressure as the holiday season approaches, and money is tight. This is the primary reason Perry created the “Cans for Kindness” initiative, where locals can help their neighbors and themselves.

Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley says the holidays are a busy time for downtown.

“November and December is a time when our downtown businesses are really picking up, and we want to make sure they are insulated from any sort of feedback or changes regarding the federal government shutdown,” she said. “So we’re just here to support them through a promotion initiative and supporting our greater community with a food drive.”

Hartley says with the holidays quickly approaching, they want everyone to be able to celebrate without hesitation.

“The pressure is there, so we want to be able to support in any way possible,” she said. “Whether it’s a 10% discount at our participating businesses around town, or canned food drives to support those families that are needing some food around the holidays.”

To ensure all donations reach those in need, Hartley says they are partnering with local food banks.

“Specifically, we’ve talked to Perry Methodist Church right here in downtown,” she said. “I’ve called Loaves and Fishes to make sure we can support them, and New Hope Baptist Church; they do a food drive weekly. All those are the three parties we’re looking to partner with to make sure these canned foods stay local here in the Perry community.”

Hartley says it’s a proactive approach and reflects the strength of the community.

“From both the leadership and staff, but also from our business and the responses we’ve seen,” she said. “Like I said, we have over 25 businesses that have agreed to participate and offer that 10% off for canned goods that are donated. So our businesses were quick to respond and eager to participate, so I think it’s a really wholesome approach.”

You can find participating businesses by the signs in their windows.