During a summer season where the relentless, dangerous heat index has become a focal point of discussion, Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant in downtown Nashville is partnering with Nashville Rescue Mission for the third consecutive “Mission H2O” campaign. This initiative aims to provide 25,000 bottles of water to the local homeless community during the month of August.
From August 1 to August 31, Puckett’s diners will have the option to add a donation of a dollar or more to the total of their bill. For each dollar donated, two bottled waters will be given to the Mission. In an effort to make an even larger impact for the organization and surrounding community, the restaurant’s parent company, A. Marshall Family Foods Inc., will match the amount donated by its diners.
Cheryl Noe, senior director of development for Nashville Rescue Mission, has been amazed by the continued growth and success of the Mission H2O drive and reiterates that the basic human need for water never ceases.
“The nearly 20,000 water bottles donated as a result of last year’s Mission H2O were absolutely crucial to the Mission during both the summer and fall months,” Noe said. “Once the heat slacks off, people stop thinking about the need for water. But the need is still there.”
The Mission ramps up efforts to keep members of Nashville’s homeless community hydrated during summer months by sending out “Hot Patrol” teams to traverse the city handing out water bottles when the temperature exceeds 92 degrees, in addition to encouraging those without respite from the elements to come back to the Mission with them.
“Donating to Mission H2O is no trivial act, particularly because we see an increase in the number of women and children we serve during the summer months, ” Noe said. “You are making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families by contributing.”
The water bottles, supplied by Kimbro Water Company, are delivered to the Mission on a weekly basis throughout August to help meet the demand the summer months create.
In order to magnify the impact of Mission H2O, Kimbro takes on a partial sponsorship by lowering the cost of the water bottles so that $1 covers the purchase of two bottles.
Rachel Layton, director of marketing for A. Marshall Family Foods Inc., said that Mission H2O has become an annual endeavor that the entire company looks forward to.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to rally the Nashville community in support of a cause that has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of individuals who need support the most,” Layton said. “Nothing is more rewarding to us, and our team’s enthusiasm is illustrated through the success of this campaign in the past two years.”
Nashville Rescue Mission is dedicated to helping the hungry, homeless, and hurting, and offers programs that focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, and life-recovery. The Mission aims to give members of the community hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity.
Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant, located at 5th Avenue & Church Street, is open Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
To learn more about Nashville Rescue Mission, visit www. nashvillerescuemission.org. To learn more about Puckett’s, visit www.puckettsgrocery.com.
