Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 27, 1995 TAG: 9507280041
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAURICE A. WILLIAMS III STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's why the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank holds an annual "Christmas in July" campaign, which is under way.
"We typically do a mid-summer hunger awareness campaign," said Judi Huffman, resource development officer for the food bank. She said it is typical for people to forget about the less fortunate during the summer.
"It's not a high awareness time," Huffman said. "People are busy on vacation."
Food bank records show that a 50 percent decrease in donations occurs during the summer while October, November and December donations are twice those of any other time during the year.
The food bank serves 26 counties and 11 cities in Southwest Virginia, providing food to on-site feeding programs, shelters, churches and other organizations that feed the hungry.
In May, the food bank was part of a food drive with the National Association of Letter Carriers. Individuals left donations by their mailboxes, and letter carriers delivered to area food banks. In Southwestern Virginia, the effort brought in 180 tons of food. Huffman said this food probably went to victims of last month's flooding.
"Chances are it [flooding] has had an effect," Huffman said. "We're going through that food very rapidly."
Those wishing to help can donate food or money. The bank has a financial goal of $45,000. Food must be store-bought and in its original carton.
Huffman said the bank has enough snacks but needs more canned meats and vegetables.
"If we could raise 100 tons of food, that would bring us up to where we would need to be," she said.
The food bank holds its larger campaigns during the summer and the winter holidays utilizing posters, displays, public service announcements and direct mailings to inform the public. It also conducts a drive each month.
"We have a whole variety of things," Huffman said. "It never stops."
Contributions and donations can be sent to the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank at 1111 Shenandoah Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Va. 24001. For more information, call 342-3011.
by CNB