The Poor People’s Campaign, organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, sought to address economic justice, racism, and human rights for poor Americans facing hardship. This campaign was a pivotal part of the second phase of the civil rights movement.
Local organizations are stepping up to combat hunger and food insecurity, which affect many lives. Beneficiaries of food drives include individuals living below the poverty line, seniors, single parents, the homeless, and others who lack sufficient financial resources for food.
TRENDING: Mother continues to seek justice in hit-and-run case that left her daughter seriously injured
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration Annual Food Drive will take place on Jan. 11 at the Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, located on N.W. 4th Ave, beginning at 9 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Interfaith Emergency Services.
“We would greatly appreciate anything that the community can do to help this effort,” says Ocala City Council President Pro-Tem Ire Bethea, Sr. “We will be assembling at the theological seminary, right off N.W. 4th St., on Saturday morning. They can drop off their goods, non-perishables, and toiletries.”
This food drive is a collaborative initiative by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Florida, Inc., the Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the NAACP.
“We’re asking everybody in the community that can, to please donate to this cause,” Bethea adds. “You can donate non-perishable items or funds. If somebody wants to write a check, make it out to Interfaith Emergency Services.”