BRATTLEBORO — Project Feed the Thousands has kicked off its 17th year of collecting non-perishable food items, personal care items and cash donations on behalf of more than 12,000 people who face hunger in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire.
The Project invites local business, community, school and church leaders, as well as the public, to help with the drive - which runs through Dec. 31 - with food drop-off locations at many area grocery stores and businesses.
This year, the Project hopes to raise $125,000 and fill 25 tractor trailers with food.
“Last year, thanks to the generosity of our donors and hard work of volunteers, we surpassed our goals,” said project co-founder Larry Smith. “I have every confidence we'll do it again this year.”
Fellow co-founder George Haynes called for all local people to support their neighbors in need.
“Times are difficult for more and more people in our communities,” he said. “They're faced with an impossible dilemma, without enough resources to cover basic necessities such as housing and medicine while still putting food on the table for their families. Project Feed the Thousands provides crucial relief just when people need it most. But in order to help, we need the community's help. Many hands make light work, and if we all do a little, we can get a lot done.”
Founded in 1994, Project Feed the Thousands has grown to become the region's largest food drive. The Project now collects food for distribution by 25 food shelves and community kitchens, including the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center, Chester-Andover Family Center, Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, Hinsdale Welfare Department, Our Place Drop In Center in Bellows Falls, Springfield Family Center and Townshend Community Food Shelf.
Monetary contributions may be made online by visiting the Project's website: www.FeedTheThousands.org. Contributions by check may also be sent to: Project Feed the Thousands, c/o River Valley Credit Union, P.O. Box 8366, 820 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05304.
Non-perishable food and personal care items may be donated at the Brattleboro Food Co-op, Hannaford and Price Chopper supermarkets in Brattleboro, RiverBend Farm Market in Townshend, Shaw's in Wilmington, Schoolhouse Grocery in Vernon, Brattleboro Pharmacy, all River Valley Credit Union locations and many other local drop-off points.