“We are doing this for all of the food pantries, not only in the city, but for the county as well,” Portsmouth Community Development Director Becky Steele said. “But the catch is that any pantry that wants the donation has to volunteer their time from 9 (a.m.) till 1 (p.m.). If they come in and they donate their time to help collect the food, then we divide it up to those that are there that day, and send them on their way with their food to their pantry.”
Steele said anyone wishing to donate any non-perishable food items or unopened hygiene items may do so by coming to Tracy park between those hours.
“We’re hoping we get a lot of donations. It’s supposed to be nice out — a little chilly — but nice out,” Steele said. “We’re really hoping to get a lot of people out. The main reason the City of Portsmouth is wanting to do this is we have a lot of people that have had economic difficulties. A lot of the food pantries I have spoken with are running really low on items, so we’re hoping that the supplies will be there for those who use the food pantries.”
Steele said the Community Development Department also has meetings with the food pantries once a month to plan for a big drive in 2012, which she hopes will also involve a concert.
At the same time as the food pantry drive, there will be an area-wide cleanup as a part of Make A Difference Day.
AmeriCorps volunteer Edson E. Myers said it is a day in which people in the community are encouraged to volunteer to do projects to help their communities.
FRANK LEWIS may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
