One Dollar Can Make a Huge Difference

If you read this blog with any regularity, then you may have noticed that I talk about snacks a lot.

If you are responsible for buying groceries in your household, then you’ve probably noticed that the cost of food has gone up.

Both of those are intertwined.

It may not seem like a huge thing to offer snacks to students. In some cases, it may seem frivolous or “extra,” especially with increasing food prices, but our students appreciate the gesture so much.

When a person is hungry, this increases fatigue and irritation. Hunger also has an impact on the amount of information the brain can retain. Fueling the brain and body is essential, which is why having snacks available for our students is incredibly important.

The Cost of Providing Snacks

In a typical week, the PVLA and CCC Adult Education sees approximately 200 students attending classes. Not all of these students eat a snack every week, but having them available is beneficial.

The cost of providing snacks, including granola bars, fruit snacks, chips, and water, among others, averages about $265.00 per month.

When the numbers are broken down, it becomes apparent that providing snacks for students each month is only about $1 per student—and that’s incredibly affordable.

The funding for these delectable treats comes from generous donors. In 2023, our Snack Sponsors included the following:

Tammi Gotschall

Larry and Vicky Barcell

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Richard and Mary Lou Stamm

Dee Condon

Duane Matson

Sylvia Coffey

So far for 2024, our Snack Sponsors are the following:

Angie Biester

Richard and Mary Lou Stamm

In addition to our Snack Sponsors, our students also contribute to the Snack Fund. We have a jar in the snack corner, and students will contribute what they can. It all ensures that there are snacks to keep our students strong while studying.

$1 Truly Can Make a Difference

$1 may not seem like a lot, but it can provide one student with a snack—and that’s a pretty big deal. As the amount of the donation increases, the number of students that are impacted also goes up.

To become a Snack Sponsor, we ask that you make a minimum donation of $260, but if that amount seems out of range, anything you donate will ensure that students have the fuel they need to keep learning.

If this sounds like an opportunity you’re interested in pursuing, there are a variety of ways you can donate funds. You can head to our online donation site and choose an amount that fits into your budget.

We also have a PayPal donation site where you can become a Snack Sponsor.

Should you prefer the “old fashioned” method of sending a check, you can mail it to:

PVLA

3020 18th St, Box 3, Suite 4
Columbus, NE 68601

Snacks Make an Impact

It’s been said before, and I’m going to say it again: Food is a love language.

Despite the rising cost of groceries, it doesn’t take much to make a student’s day. For just $1, you can ensure they have a snack that will keep them focused while they are learning.

Got questions? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces).

The Road to Success is Paved with Snacks

Adults come to the PVLA to learn English as a second language, to become U.S. citizens, to obtain their GED, or to get one-on-one skills training to find a better job.

The majority of our students have families to care for, as well as work full-time jobs. Many either attend class and then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

When a person is hungry, this increases fatigue and irritation. Hunger also has an impact on the amount of information the brain can retain. Fueling the brain and body is essential, which is why having snacks available for our students is incredibly important.

You can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better, and you can ensure they stay strong while studying.

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well. We will also post your name on our Facebook page and forever be grateful for your support.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a minimum donation of $260, and will provide our students with chips, granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. While donating the entire amount is always appreciated, it’s not necessary. Any amount you can give is beneficial.

The path to success starts with snacks—and knowledge. Help an adult learner achieve their dreams by becoming a Snack Sponsor today! 

You have the option of making your payment online or sending a check or money order to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association
3020 18th St, Box 3
Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.

Putting the “Fun” in Fundraiser

The Taste of Columbus has been a premier fundraiser for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and a local nonprofit for a long time. According to the Chamber website, this is what they have to say about the event:

This spectacular event is an evening for the Columbus community to come out and experience samples of tasty dishes from local restaurants, bakeries, and food vendors, and also taste a variety of beverages from wine and craft beer distributors. But it’s not just about indulging your palate; it’s about making a difference in our community. Our silent and royal auctions are filled with unique experiences and fabulous products, all generously contributed by local businesses and individuals. By participating, you’re supporting two incredible nonprofits that tirelessly serve our community in countless ways.

As the beneficiary organization, Platte Valley Literacy was incredibly excited to be part of this grand gala.

From the food to the beverages to the auction items, there was something for everyone at the event, and good times were had by all.

After all was said and done, donors ensured that the PVLA was able to receive $22,724.63—and this is going to have a HUGE impact on what we’re able to provide for our students.

A portion of the funds will go to purchasing new laptops for students to use. The rest will be used to ensure that students have the materials and high-quality instructors necessary to achieve their goals.

Taste of Columbus was an incredibly magical evening, and the PVLA is thrilled to have been able to spend it with so many amazing (and generous!) Columbus community members.

Thank you!

The calm before the storm. The event room before the guests arrived.

PVLA employees working the trivia table at the event. From left to right: Melanie (citizenship instructor), Alicia (receptionist, employability skills instructor, and ESL instructor), and Itzel (receptionist, classroom assistant, and Outreach Conversational Spanish instructor)

The masses gathering for a good time.

The amazing crowd at the Taste of Columbus

How to Become a Snack Sponsor for the PVLA

 

It’s a New Year, and we’re looking for supporters! One way to help adult students achieve success is by becoming a Snack Sponsor.

Food is a love language. Whether you’re cooking your family a meal or asking a friend to meet you for dessert, food is a way to let others know how much you care.

When you were a kid, more than likely, one of the highlights of your school day was snack time. There was something satisfying about taking a break from learning and indulging in a delicious treat.

Things do not change all that much once you become an adult learner. Snack time is still a time of enjoyment and indulgence. 

Here at the PVLA, adults come to us to learn English as a second language for better employment opportunities, to help their child with homework, to communicate with their children’s teachers, and to be able to talk to those of us that only speak English. 

The majority of our students also work full-time jobs and have families to care for. Many either attend class then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

Being able to take a break to recharge body and mind is beneficial, and you can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better. 

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation*. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a donation of $260, and will provide our students with granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. You can pay for your sponsorship online or send a check to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association

3020 18th St, Box 3

Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.



*Donation receipts are available upon request.

How to Become A Snack Sponsor for the Platte Valley Literacy Association

It’s a New Year, and we’re looking for supporters! One way to help adult students achieve success is by becoming a Snack Sponsor.

Food is a love language. Whether you’re cooking your family a meal or asking a friend to meet you for dessert, food is a way to let others know how much you care.

When you were a kid, more than likely, one of the highlights of your school day was snack time. There was something satisfying about taking a break from learning and indulging in a delicious treat.

Things do not change all that much once you become an adult learner. Snack time is still a time of enjoyment and indulgence. 

Here at the PVLA, adults come to us to learn English as a second language for better employment opportunities, to help their child with homework, to communicate with their children’s teachers, and to be able to talk to those of us that only speak English. 

The majority of our students also work full-time jobs and have families to care for. Many either attend class then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

Being able to take a break to recharge body and mind is beneficial, and you can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better. 

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation*. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a donation of $260, and will provide our students with granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. You can pay for your sponsorship online or send a check to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association

3020 18th St, Box 3

Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.



*Donation receipts are available upon request.