GoodWorks: The People and Values That Shape Who We Are

The college application process was not an easy one for me. I didn’t know where I wanted to go to school, and I had no idea what to say to encapsulate myself in an essay. I finally settled on telling the story of the summer I spent rehabbing houses in the Appalachian Mountain towns of Kentucky. I tried to capture the work we did—rebuilding bathrooms and installing septic systems, framing houses,  roofing in 100-degree heat—but my essay seemed jumbled somehow. It was hardest to describe  Stafford Walker, a 6-foot-and-some-inches Texan who led our group: quiet and diligent; 1950s  square black-framed glasses and a crew cut; constant, steady, and humble. Every time he picked up a hammer, navigated his lanky 60-year-old body onto a steep, two-story roof, or sat and respectfully shared a beer with the owners of the homes we were working on, he showed us all something true: be kind and respectful and try to make the world a better place.

I often think about Stafford and others who have been “good works” role models for me. At this time of year, I wanted to let you know a little more about who we are and the charitable programs that are important to us.

The FruitGuys has always been a mission-driven business that attempts not only to have a positive impact on people’s health but to offer support on two specific fronts: First, to help small farmers become more sustainable; and second, to help people in need with donations of healthy food. As our business grows, we think about ways to expand these programs and how to involve our clients who wish to help. If you’re interested, here’s how you can get involved:

Visit the GoodWorks area of our website at fruitguys.com/goodworks to read about our projects and ways to participate. Our current Almanac newsletter includes expanded information on our GoodWorks program—sign up for this monthly e-newsletter on our homepage at fruitguys.com or via our Almanac.  As projects come up during the year, we’ll let you know how you can help.

Next, I encourage you to consider our Donate-a-Crate program if your office will be closed on any of the fruit delivery days during the holiday season. Through this program, we’ll send your donated fruit to one of the many charities we support, or we’ll happily deliver your case to the local charity of your choice.

Please let us know if you have any questions. And thank you for your business, as it allows us to help others as well. Visit fruitguys.com/mix to see what’s in your case this week and where it comes from.

Enjoy & Be Fruitful! – Chris Mittelstaedt chiefbanana@fruitguys.com