Self-actualization not only allows individuals to evolve, but it also helps them find some sort of meaning in life. For most people, self-actualization is done through helping others and giving back to the community. This is what Judy Adams and a group of inspiring veterans strove to do when they decided to open up a non-profit food pantry for military families. Their combined efforts have paid off because the organization has grown tremendously over its five year span. Not only that, but they have inspired many other organizations and individuals to donate to veterans and active duty service members in need.
Pantry Director Judy Adams has been with I Support The 1% since the start. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does for the organization. Adams is the one who makes the appointments and meets with the military members at the pantry to disburse the food. She has seen the impact that the organization has made and she aspires to expand the business into other states as well. “If there is a need here in Michigan, there is a need everywhere,” she stated.
I Support The 1% started when a group of individuals, mostly veterans, decided that something needed to be done about the economic hardships that military members face. Adams’ husband served in the Navy during the Vietnam era and by starting this pantry, they knew they could alleviate some of the struggle among the vets out there. “We know the pride that it takes for them to even come through that door and ask for help. Instead of having people drop off items at the food pantry, the organization has two drop-off locations throughout the city. This is to respect the privacy and dignity of the veterans that come in to the pantry,” said Adams.
At least once a year, Ross Medical Education in Saginaw likes to come together and do something for our military. This year, they decided to hold a drive for I Support The 1%. Students, staff, and faculty collected non-perishable food items and then the donations were taken to a drop-off box in Saginaw.
Many students have family members who have been or are in the military, so they felt really good about supporting a cause like this. One student in particular, Meggan Klintworth, was especially grateful to be able to give back to this organization. She is a former military member herself. She stated, “I’ve been blessed since I’ve been in the military. I wasn’t always as well off as I am now. Before joining the military, I was homeless and I really benefited from programs like I Support The 1%. I haven’t personally drawn any benefits from I Support The 1%, but I have supported them. They work out of an airport near my drill station and I always had drives with my reserve unit. I just got out of the military, but during my time, I met a lot of people who have benefited from the organization. It helped them put food on their table and coats on their kids.”
Campus Director Ginger Rezmer is extremely supportive and passionate about this cause as well. She stated, “I think it’s super important to support our military. The members are sacrificing a lot for Americans. Most of us have military family members, or family members that have been in the military. My grandfather was a Marine, my dad was in the U.S. Army, and I have many uncles and cousins who have also been in the military. It feels really good to be able to give back to them, even if it’s in a small way.”
For more information on I Support The 1% and for drop-off locations, please visit supporttheonepercent.com, or to stay updated on the latest news, visit their Facebook page.