OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The annual Bring the Harvest Home Food Drive has once again brought the Marion County community together, culminating in an extraordinary display of generosity. This year, the drive collected over 30,490 pounds of food and $20,550 in donations, ensuring local food banks are well-stocked for the holiday season.
Despite cooler weather and rainy skies, residents turned out in force on the downtown square to contribute to this important cause. “I just wanted to say a great big heartfelt thank you to everyone in our community who came out this year to support our food drive on the downtown square,” said Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant in a Facebook video. “This year was once again a record-breaking year and as always, Marion County, you stepped up and you stepped up big.”
Donated items included a wide range of essentials:
- Dry foods and complementary goods: Rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, and jelly (with plastic containers preferred).
- Canned goods: Meat such as corned beef, chicken, ham, and tuna, as well as canned vegetables and fruits.
- Baby items: Food, diapers, lotion, and wipes.
- Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toilet paper.
The donations will directly benefit local organizations, including Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Veterans Helping Veterans, and the Salvation Army.
“With over $20,000 in cash donations and over 30,000 pounds of food collected here on the square today, our total will be well over $50,000,” Bryant noted. “Marion County residents have given that gift to so many who might not have had it. So again, from the bottom of my heart, from our community partners, Interfaith, Brothers Keeper, the Salvation Army, and Veterans Helping Veterans, we just say thank you.”