The Ashe County Volunteer Initiative Program’s annual canned food drive is in full swing, so be sure to keep others in mind while doing Thanksgiving shopping this year.
“Right now we have about half of what is normally collected. Though, donations usually pick up later in the season,” said Glenda Luther, volunteer coordinator for the Volunteer Initiative Program.
The canned food drive will continue through Nov. and will end on Dec. 10, 2012. During this time, canned and non-perishable goods will be collected at many convenient locations throughout the county.
Donations are accepted at Ingles, Lowes Foods, Food Lion, Ashe Memorial Hospital, Ashe Services for Aging, Ashe Public Library, Wilkes Community College (Ashe Campus), Dollar General Store, Ashe Optometric Eye Care (Dr. Ryan), and the Riverview Community Center.
A variety of foods are needed in food pantries. Some items that top the “most wanted” list for food banks are canned chicken, canned tuna, salted crackers, soups, juice/milk boxes, white rice, canned spaghetti sauce, grape jelly, canned vegetables, cereals, pork and beans, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese.
“Once everything is collected, the donations will be divided equally and distributed to the five food banks,” said Luther.
Vounteers will deliver the canned goods to Ashe Services for Aging Food Pantry, The Sharing Center, Ashe Really Cares, A.S.H.E. (A Safe Home for Everyone), and Ashe Outreach Ministries.
The Volunteer Initiative Program was created with the mission “to support and enhance volunteer opportunities and services in Ashe County.” The program has an advisory board that meets to help plan volunteer projects and is governed by the Ashe County Board of Comissioners.
“Any volunteers are welcome, either for collecting or delivering items,” Luther said.
“Times are tough, and we would like to help out during the winter months. In times of need, all donations will be greatly appreciated,” said Luther.
For more information, call Glenda Luther at 336-246-2461 or via email at glenda.luther@ashecountygov.com.
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