VVS Mini Storage and My Upstate NY Marketing Team Up to Support Local Businesses and the Verona Food Pantry

VERONA, N.Y.  Two local, family-owned businesses are launching a creative community initiative designed to support small businesses while raising money and awareness for the Verona Food Pantry.

VVS Mini Storage and My Upstate NY Marketing, owned by Andy and Melanie Catello, are working together to purchase gift certificates and coupons from local businesses. Those coupons are then sold to members of the community, with 100 percent of the money raised from coupons donated directly to the Verona Food Pantry.

The concept creates a positive cycle of local support.

First, VVS Mini Storage and My Upstate NY Marketing purchase 100 coupons from a participating business, for August it will be Coffee & Crumbs in Verona NY. The purchase immediately puts money into the local business and helps generate additional customer traffic.

The coupons are then offered to the public. Every dollar collected from the coupon sales goes to the Verona Food Pantry, helping the organization continue providing food and assistance to local families in need.

The initiative also encourages community members to discover and support locally owned businesses while contributing to an important nonprofit organization.

The Verona Food Pantry assisted nearly 1,000 families last year (approx 80 families a month). Demonstrating the growing need for food support throughout the community.

“This is a great concept that not only helps local nonprofits, but also supports small businesses and encourages community involvement,” Andy and Melanie Catello said. “When local businesses, residents and nonprofit organizations work together, everyone benefits.”

The Catellos believe the program offers a meaningful way to inject money into the local economy while bringing greater awareness to organizations such as the Verona Food Pantry.

Instead of simply asking businesses to donate products or services, the coupons are purchased from them. This ensures the participating business receives financial support while the pantry receives the full proceeds from the coupon sales.

The program represents a true community partnership, supporting local businesses, helping families in need, and giving residents an easy way to make a difference.

VVS Mini Storage and My Upstate NY Marketing hope the initiative will inspire additional local businesses and community members to participate in future fundraising efforts.

By shopping local and supporting local nonprofits, even a small purchase can create a much larger impact throughout the Verona community.