COAST Plans “Day It Forward” Campaign to Benefit Gather on Feb. 29

posted on 2/26/2024

In honor of 2024 being a Leap Year, COAST is planning a “Day it Forward” campaign in support of fellow nonprofit Gather. All fare box collections on February 29 and contributions made by COAST staff will be donated along with non-perishable food and personal care donations collected during a Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event at Hannaford at 833 Central Ave. in Dover. In addition, COAST will match any bus tickets purchased and donated to Gather clients via COAST’s website now through Feb. 29.

“This year we have an extra day to do something good and make the world a better place,” said Vanessa Polychronis, COAST Community & Employee Relations Manager. “COAST and Gather serve many of the same people and communities. This year’s ‘Day it Forward’ campaign is a chance to make sure that Gather can respond to those who are experiencing food insecurity this winter. Let’s work together to do something good with the extra 24 hours we have this year.”

Those wishing to participate in the “Day it Forward” campaign can do so in three ways: Drop a cash donation in any COAST fare box on February 29; donate nonperishable food or personal care items during the Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hannaford, 833 Central Ave. in Dover; or purchase bus tickets to donate to Gather clients, which COAST will match. Tickets can be purchased at https://coastbus.org/give.

Gather’s mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. For over 20 years, Gather has provided fresh, healthy food to individuals experiencing food insecurity in Greater Seacoast communities. Gather distributes food via mobile markets, fresh food bus, and food pantries in Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth, Dover, Farmington, Kittery, Seabrook, Hampton and Hampton Falls. 

More information about COAST, including schedules and fares, can be found at www.coastbus.org.