By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

The Meadville Tribune and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania are asking for the public’s help to feed hungry area families.

For the fourth year in a row, the Tribune is joining forces with media partners WICU-TV of Erie and WMVL-FM COOL 101.7 this Wednesday for a Drive-Thru Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Second Harvest.

Second Harvest distributes to food pantries across the region, including seven in Crawford County.

The annual drive for non-perishable food will be conducted in Meadville in the Tribune’s parking lot off Arch Street from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

All of the non-perishable food collected at each of eight locations around the region will remain in the area where it’s collected, said Shannon Wells, spokeswoman for Second Harvest.

Second Harvest is hoping for a good turnout, though there is concern donations may be down because of the continued poor state of the economy, Wells said.

“We think people still are wanting to give, but those who might have been giving $20 last year might only give $10 this year,” said Wells. “Holiday season can be a trying time. It’s nice if families in need don’t have to worry about food assistance.”

“We’re hoping people stop by and do whatever they can,” said Sharon Sorg, publisher of The Meadville Tribune.

Being a part of the Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual November food drive is an honor for the paper and a very rewarding experience as well, according to Sorg.

“Throughout the day you meet many kind individuals and groups doing their part to fight hunger in our community,” said Sorg. “This year we need that support more than ever, as those who normally donate may now find themselves in need of food.”

In addition to non-perishable food, monetary donations will be accepted as well. Every $1 donated buys $17 worth of food for Second Harvest, Wells said. That’s because the organization buys in bulk through discount suppliers, including the federal government.

“We’re hoping as many people as possible stop by Wednesday and do whatever they can,” said Sorg. “Every donation — no matter what size — goes a long way to help our neighbors and friends.”

“If Wednesday is not convenient for some persons who wish to donate, the Tribune is accepting donations of non-perishable items at our office during normal business hours today and Tuesday,” Sorg said. The hours for those drop-offs are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The donations collected in Crawford County benefit food pantries run by Center for Family Services, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, The Salvation Army of Meadville and Faith & Fellowship Food Pantry, all of Meadville; and Associated Charities, Titusville Area Food Pantry and St. James Food Cupboard in Titusville.

In 2008, Meadville collected $4,739.34, as well as 5,748 pounds of food and 34 turkeys during the drive.

In 2007, record total cash donations of $5,587 were collected in Meadville along with 6,484 pounds of food — including 35 turkeys and two hams.

The local record for food donations was 2006 when 7,211 pounds of food — including 49 turkeys and one ham — were collected and distributed to food pantries following the one-day drive. Cash donations raised during the 2006 drive totaled $4,599.

Previous collections were 1,746 pounds in 2005 at a collection site at Allegheny College and 3,082 pounds in 2004 at Allegheny.



Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.



You can help

The annual non-perishable drive-through food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania will be held in The Meadville Tribune’s parking lot off Arch Street from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Tax deductible donations may be sent to: Second Harvest of Northwest Pennsylvania, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, Pa. 16501.



Other drop-off locations

Below is a list of other drop-off locations in the region for the annual non-perishable drive-through food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. The drive is Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at these locations:

Titusville — Country Fair, 103 S. Perry St.

Edinboro — Nick’s Place, 12246 Edinboro Road

Erie — WICU-TV 12, 3514 State St.

East Springfield — Federated Church, 11995 Main St.

Warren — Northwest Savings Bank, Liberty Street between Second and Pennsylvania avenues

Corry — Northwest Savings Bank, 80 W. Columbus Ave.

Waterford — All Saints Parish, 11264 Route 97N