OCALA, FL (352today.com)—There’s nothing better than showing gratitude during the holiday season, especially by paying it forward to those who most need it.
Marion County wants to continue this sentiment with its Bring the Harvest Home Food drive. The county is celebrating the food drive’s 15th anniversary and hopes to continue where it left off last year when it received a whopping 21,000 pounds of food and $12,000 in donations.
“Our community rallies each year to help neighbors in greater need during the holiday season,” says Marion County Vice Chairman Kathy Bryant. “I can’t wait to help even more families in our community this year.”
Drop-off Event
On Friday, Dec. 6, the county will host a drop-off event on the Downtown Square in Ocala from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event will collect food and toiletry donations to help fill pantries for the Salvation Army, Interfaith Emergency Services, Brother’s Keeper, and Veterans Helping Veterans.
Marion County Animal Services is also planning to attend the drop-off event in hopes of finding homes for its furry critters.
Donation Locations
Donations can be dropped off at various locations throughout Marion County, such as public libraries and sheriff’s district offices, until Dec. 5. Donations will also be accepted during the drop-off event.
The county has listed its most needed items for this holiday season:
- Dry foods and complementary goods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, and jelly). Plastic containers are preferred.
- Canned meats (corned beef, corned beef hash, ham, and tuna).
- Canned vegetables and fruit.
- Baby items (baby cereal, diapers, and lotion).
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toilet paper).