Brookshire's, which operates three grocery stores on Cedar Creek Lake, fed 16,000 families for a week during the company's 34th annual food drive known as the "Spirit of Christmas."
The grocery company collected donations of nonperishable food from communities such as the Cedar Creek Lake area. The recepients of the food gifts in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Pre-assembled grab bags and scan coupons also added to the distribution of food for needy families.
Stores amassing the collections distributed the food within their own communities.
This year’s grab bag sales increased by 20 percent while the scan coupon sales, which are used to purchase additional food items, increased by 70 percent. The food is donated to local service organizations and food pantries for distribution to families in need. Along with a box of food, each family also received a coupon for a free roasting hen, courtesy of Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods.
“Our goal was to provide 15,000 families with a week’s worth of meals and thanks to the generosity of our customers we were able to surpass this goal and make it the most successful Spirit of Christmas Food Drive in our history,” said Brad Brookshire, BGC chairman and CEO. “This event would not be successful without the support of the local agencies we work with to eliminate hunger in our communities. Giving back to the communities we serve is a priority for us and we are proud to be able to assist even more families during the holiday season.”
The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive began in Tyler in 1982 with the Rose City Kiwanis Club, providing assistance to approximately 90 families in the Tyler area.
Brad Brookshire recently was named chair of the company's board of directors after the retirement of president and CEO Rick Rayford after working for the company for 44 years.
Brad Brookshire is the grandson of the company's founder, Wood T. Brookshire. He has worked for the company for 18 years. He has served as worked as a store director, director of distribution and vice president of corporate development
Brookshire Grocery Co. operates 152 stores in three states -- Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas -- with three distribution centers and five manufacturing facilities. Known for friendly service, clean stores and strong community support, BGC has been in operation since 1928.
