Tallmadge Community Food Drive July 30 2011

The Rotary Club of Tallmadge is partnering with Good Neighbors for a food drive this month.

Sponsors and volunteers for the food drive are collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations through July 30, when they will be given to the Tallmadge Good Neighbors food pantry.

Tallmadge Rotary Club member Kim Ray said there has already been a good deal of support from the community.

"I've been calling Tallmadge businesses the last couple of days," said Ray last week, "and the response to my requests for collection sites has been amazing."

Ray said volunteers from the city, the Tallmadge City School District, the Tallmadge League of Women Voters, the Lions Club and the Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce are involved with the drive along with several local businesses.

There are currently 14 collection sites for the drive.

Ray said more than 7,000 food items and $6,600 were collected during last year's drive.

The bar is set even higher this year. Ray said the goal for this summer's drive is 10,000 food items and $10,000, adding that $1,000 has already been raised between donations from the Rotary and Lions Clubs.

Ray noted how donations are necessary throughout the year to keep food pantries stocked -- not just around the holidays.

"Food insecurity can strike at any time, and people go hungry year round, not just during the holidays," she said. "Donations during the summer months lag due to vacations and many organizations that participate in food drives, like schools, are out of session during the summer."

Cash donations are used to purchase perishable items, such as bread, on a weekly basis.

Ray said for every $1 donated, Good Neighbors can buy food from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to provide three meals.

The funds also help supplement the pantry's stock when supplies are low. The pantry always tries to keep the "super six" most needed items on hand, which includes canned tuna fish, canned soup, canned stew, peanut butter, canned vegetables and boxed cereal.

The month-long drive culminates July 30 with a final mini-drive scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tallmadge Circle.

Ray encourages everyone to participate, emphasizing that all donations go toward the support of local families.

"One can of soup can make the difference for a family that might otherwise go to bed hungry tonight," she said. "And it's not a family in another community. It's a family right here in Tallmadge."

Donations may be sent to Good Neighbors of Tallmadge, which is located at 74 Community Drive. Anyone interested in volunteering or acquiring a donation box can contact Ray at 330-696-1535.

Ray said residents can request a pickup of their donations this year for the first time. Those interested can call 330-633-0214 to have a Rotarian visit their home or place of business to pick up non-perishable food items and cash donations.

DONATION SITES:

* Tallmadge City Hall, 46 North Ave.

* Tallmadge City Garage, 210 Osceola Ave.

* Tallmadge Recreation Center, 46 N. Munroe Road

* Tallmadge Good Neighbors, 74 Community Drive

* Akron Gasket and Packing Enterprises, 445 Northeast Ave.

* Carol Martin Salon and Spa, 137 East Ave. Suite 101

* Shear TLC Styling Salon, 341 West Ave.

* Martin Wheel Co. Inc., 342 West Ave.

* Essex Healthcare of Tallmadge, 563 Colony Park Drive

* KentRidge at Golden Pond nursing center, 5241 Sunnybrook Road, Kent

* Heather Knoll Retirement Village, 1134 North Ave.

* Mosholder Realty Inc., 10 Northwest Ave. Suite 100

* Key Bank, 76 Tallmadge Circle

* First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, 85 Heritage Drive