Cans for a Cause brings in more than 3,400 pounds of food for Gleaners Community Food Bank

Four Dearborn-area elementary schools banded together to bring in 3,460 pounds of food for their neighbors through an initiative sponsored by Dearborn-based Yogurtopia. More than 1,200 students from Becker, Duvall, Howe and Nowlin schools are responsible for this impressive feat, which will provide approximately 2,871 meals to neighbors in need.

The initiative, Cans for a Cause, challenged students to bring in nonperishable food items and compete classroom-to-classroom to see which class could bring in the most. Local frozen yogurt and bakeshop, Yogurtopia, issued the challenge and partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to make it happen. The challenge ran from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20.

“In just 11 days, these students did something remarkable,” said Sam Abbas, owner and president of Yogurtopia. “We are blown away by the generosity, spunk and competitive streak in these kids. They had fun while helping families around the holidays.”

Yogurtopia gift cards in the amount of $5 each were awarded to every student in each school’s winning class. Winning classrooms included Ms. Berry’s 4th grade class at Becker, Ms. Courtright’s 4th grade class at Duvall, Ms. Kiesel’s 4th/5th class at Howe, and Mrs. Doyles’ 3rd grade class at Nowlin.

Miley, the Yogurtopia mascot, along with a team from Gleaners, was on hand to pick up the donated food.

“This time of year is especially rough for struggling families says,” said Gerry Brisson, president of Gleaners Community Food Bank. “Heating bills stretch already tight budgets, and parents with kids in school must provide extra meals or pay for day care during holiday breaks. This support from these amazing students and Yogurtopia will help Gleaners ease the burden for many families this holiday.”

Yogurtopia plans to continue its philanthropic efforts with a toy drive in December, benefiting Toys for Tots and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Donations will be collected at both Michigan locations, in east and west Dearborn, through December.

Care to keep-up with Yogurtopia’s Miley and her philanthropic gallivanting? Follow @MileysBell on Instagram and check out the events page on Yogurtopia.com to learn more.

About Yogurtopia

Yogurtopia is a self-­‐serve frozen yogurt restaurant, bakeshop and coffee bar franchise, based in Dearborn, Michigan. Known for having the finest frozen yogurt blends, the tastiest, healthiest toppings, and a soothing, upbeat family-­‐friendly atmosphere, Yogurtopia is a community favorite all year round. Founded in 2010 by Dearborn, Michigan-­‐native Sam Abbas, Yogurtopia has grown to offer 4 locations throughout Arizona and Michigan. Yogurtopia strives to be an integral part in its communities, promoting health and education, and providing memories and yummy treats. Delivering quality, comfort and affordability…Yogurtopia, the Perfect World. To find a Yogurtopia near you, visit www.yogurtopia.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.