Salvation Army food drive nears end, but goods still needed

4/14/2005

Bob May stood in a room with shelves to the ceiling stacked with food.

There were cans of soup and boxes of instant mashed potatoes on one wall; peanut butter and apple sauce lined another.

Although the Salvation Army's food bank seemed armed and ready to fight hunger, it's coffers are still not stocked enough to feed all those in need in the Toledo area.

The local chapter of the Salvation Army, which serves Lucas, Fulton, Henry, Ot-tawa, and Wood counties, is nearing the end of its annual food drive.

Although businesses, churches, and schools in the area have done their part to help, the numbers to date show that the organization is down about 10,000 items and needs more people to bring in nonperishable foods.

Last year's drive netted last year 23,000 items.

"That's a lot of food," Mr. May admitted, "but it lasted about a month."

Sylvania's Highland Elementary has a history of supporting nonprofit organizations. Last year, the students donated more than 4,100 food items to the Salvation Army. This year, the school put collection boxes in each of its classrooms.

"It's one thing when you're collecting and doing good things like that, and it's another when you get a group of kids to be a part of it," said Highland Principal Dale Wiltse. "It has been a very successful program, and the kids are excited to give."

Collection boxes have been distributed throughout the region or food items can be donated to the Salvation Army directly - not only during the spring drive but all year long.

Food items are bagged and handed out to about 100 families, or about 300 individuals, on a weekly basis.

Last year, the organization served more than 4,500 people, Mr. May said.