In support of The Food Bank of East Alabama, The Opelika-Auburn Newspaper staff teamed up with the WRBL News 3 group, Praise 88.7 and The Well, to sponsor a day-long food drive on Saturday, Nov 1st. The event was held at the Opelika Wal-Mart Supercenter. It opened up with Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller, cutting a ribbon, marking the start of building community spirit and sponsorship for the drive that will be unceasing in its efforts to collect food for the fall and holiday season. This is the time of year when the supply of food begins to wane, and the Food Bank relies on our support for replenishing. Several of us volunteered to greet shoppers and distributed the shopping list of most needed items. A lot of shoppers participated, and it was heartwarming to see the efforts some of them made, no matter how small, all of the generous donations added up to a community gift for neighbors in need. When we share our resources, we provide essential nourishment and enrichment for the heart of our communities, blessing our homes and families. This day was big with blessings.
Visit the East Alabama Food Bank website HERE to learn more about their current fight for hunger and drop-off locations for food donations around Auburn and Opelika.
ITEMS MOST NEEDED: 
-peanut butter
-rice
-canned tuna / chicken / meat
-canned fruits and vegetables
-canned soups, stews and pasta
-macaroni & cheese dinners
-100% fruit juice
"I BAGGED HUNGER"
Volunteer, JR SMITH, Rotary Club
Volunteers, IWPU
Auburn Jr High School JAZZ BAND
SPARKY, Opelika Fire Dept Mascot
© Copyright of photos and content, 2008. Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved
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© 2012 Mara Hawks, All rights reserved
I agree Mara, that this time of year the food bank reserves dwindle and any promotion you can do to raise awareness and get some more donations is very worthy of your talents. Great photos, especially the people and Sparky.
Mara- How absolutely wonderful- I love the idea, and had never seen anyone give a list to shoppers going into a store. Hope you did well :)
Mara, Bless those volunteers and the wonderful work they do. I hope those that read this think of their good fortune and help out.
That is cool that everyone is pulling together to do this, like when a community gets together to clean up a park. But, I do have to let you know, I'm not sure that cat is really helping. I think it is there just to get the glory and not do any of the work. (LOL)
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story! I love to see people come together to make a difference. I'd love for you to post this in my group 'ACTIVIST' Rain.
The group is about making a difference in the world...even if it is just one person at a time.
BTW...thank you SO MUCH for praying for my daughter. I'd like to add you as an associate. GBU!
Thanks for joining 'ACTIVIST' Rain and posting this. I just featurd it. I've been away for the past few days taking care of my daughter. I'm going to try to catch up on AR this weekend. GBU!
As far as do-gooding goes, this is about as easy as it gets. I'm glad there are people organizing such events- every little bit helps.
Food banks are suffering just like the rest of the economy. They are being over-run here by people who have already lost their homes in foreclosure. I've been doing charitable work since high school (Key Club) and college (Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity at Texas A&M University).
Volunteering is such an easy way to help others.