Putting wine corks to work for a good cause

Chicas y chicos, because it’s the holiday season and I am a firm believer in paying it forward, I wanted to share this fabulous opportunity to help senior citizens. You don’t have to give money. You don’t have to show up at a soup kitchen at 5 a.m. All you have to do is drink wine.

Yes, you read right. The folks at Gallo Family Vineyards are donating $5 to Meals on Wheels for every Gallo Family Vineyards cork you send back to them by December 31, 2012.

Nearly 8 million seniors in the U.S. go hungry. Meals on Wheels delivers more than 1 million meals a day to elderly people all over the U.S. who need assistance, and it takes 2.2 million volunteers to carry out this wonderful work. Now in its third year, the Every Cork Counts program has raised $100,000.

“As a family-owned winery, we are proud to have Gallo Family Vineyards support the work of Meals on Wheels,” said Stephanie Gallo, a third-generation Gallo family member. “The Every Cork Counts program allows our family to help the millions of seniors who needlessly face the threat of hunger every day.”

Please consider raising a glass (or two) and helping hungry seniors this holiday season. Gallo wines are available nearly everywhere, and there is a huge selection, from Chardonnay to Zinfandel. So no excuses!

Once you’ve enjoyed your vino, gather your corks, put them into a padded or bubble envelope and mail them (with the correct amount of First Class postage) to:

Every Cork Counts

P.O. Box 1154
Grand Rapids, MN 55745-1154

Make sure your package is postmarked by Dec. 31, 2012.

And please spread the love by sharing this post with your friends, social networks, family members, and anyone you know who enjoys wine. As I’ve said before, wine makes magical things happen. Bring some magic to a senior who would benefit from a hot meal and a visit from a friendly volunteer.

Last but not least, may you be rewarded for your generosity and goodwill. ¡Salud!