18th Annual “Hunger Hurts Food Drive,” sponsored by Berea College’s Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS), set for Nov. 6, 2010

11/29/10

Berea College’s Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS), is gearing up for the 18th Annual Hunger Hurts Food Drive. Last year the Food Drive collected over 9,000 pounds of food for the Berea Food Bank, and organizers hope to have as much success this year as last. Kick off for this community-wide event is set for 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Woods-Penniman Building on the Berea Campus. Work will begin at the Food Bank at 103 Parkway Ave. in Berea at 9:30 a.m. Food will be collected until 2 p.m.

The Berea Food Bank served more than 600 southern Madison County families last year and is sponsored by Berea Faith Community Outreach, Inc. (BFCO). Many individuals, churches, schools, businesses and organizations contribute food or money throughout the year. Donations collected during the Food Drive will supply the pantry for the winter and provide food to many families during the holiday season.

From Sunday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 3, teams of volunteers will distribute grocery bags to each household in the community. If you would like to help, simply fill the bag with non-perishable food items and place it by your door by 9 a.m. on Nov. 6 for pick-up. Most-needed items are: peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, orange juice, apple juice, fruit juice, prune juice, syrup, jelly\jam, tuna, salmon, beef stew, pasta sauce, peanut butter, tomato sauce/paste, peas, spinach\mustard greens, spaghetti sauce, cooking oil, canned meats, cornbread mix, dry milk, flour, rice (1 lb bags), corn meal, toilet tissue, shampoo, dish detergent, facial soap and tooth paste.

In addition to food donations, there is also the opportunity to contribute to a second BFCO project, Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief (BUURR). BUURR provides emergency assistance with rent and utility bills. This program is by appointment only and may be accessed by calling 985-1903 to schedule an appointment. A flyer about BUURR and an envelope for donations will also be attached to the grocery bag.

CELTS welcomes volunteers and donations in any form for this cause. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Heather Schill at (859) 985-3804, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.