MEMPHIS, Tenn. — American Residential Services (ARS) held its second annual Can Castle Competition to assist in combatting food shortages during the summer months. ARS/Rescue Rooter made a commitment to help with the need while making the collection a chance for friendly competition.

During the school year, low-income students may receive breakfast, lunch, snacks, and weekend meals — all distributed through their school. However, when schools close, there are fewer options for kids to get food and more pressure on families. ARS had 41 service centers participate in a can and non-perishable food drive to support their local food banks. However, in order to keep things creative, ARS made the competition a “Can Castle Competition,” where the items collected were constructed into castle-like structures. Locations around the country collected from their employees from March 26 to April 26, and the final count and winners were announced May 4.

Branches were judged on creativity as well as number of items collected, and the center ARS/Rescue Rooter Illinois won the grand prize. The branch made an intricate castle complete with turrets and watchtowers. Additionally, Chicago employees donated over 10,000 items for their local food bank.

“An essential part of our culture here is giving back to our community,” said Scott Toomey, general manager for ARS/Rescue Rooter Illinois. “Our employees had a great time constructing the castle, but more importantly, we were all overwhelmed by the mass of the donations, and we know they will be put to good use.”

The first and second runners-up were ARS/Rescue Rooter of Richmond, Virginia, and ARS/Rescue Rooter of Cleveland, Ohio, respectively, both with over 2,500 items donated per branch. According to “No Kid Hungry,” five out of six kids who rely on free or reduced-price school meals aren’t getting free meals in the summer.

Publication date: 6/4/2018

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