Ninth annual food drive sees success

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September 10, 2012

Ninth annual food drive sees success

Brian Smith CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Mon Sep 10, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Center of Hope joined with local certified public accountants Snow Garrett Williams for another successful food drive Saturday.

It was the ninth annual event which helped the non-profit center bring food to its needy clients. Director of Development Linda Livingston said the combination of Center of Hope, Snow Garrett Williams and Walmart made for a dynamite combination.

“Last time we had the food drive here we ended up with a flatbed trailer full of food,” Livingston said.

Executive Director Paula Robinson said Walmart has been a tremendous partner in the whole experience.

“(Store Manager) Brad (Goss) has been nothing short of great to work with on this,” Robinson said. “His willingness and the community’s willingness to help have made this what it is.”

Weatherford Walmart shoppers were given shopping lists as they entered the store, showing the items that were needed, Robinson said. Others decided to make monetary donations.

By lunchtime, a large donation of support had been made. Robinson said every last bit of food will be used.

“We fed around 2,000 people in July alone,” Robinson said. “We normally close our lobby at 2 p.m. on Thursday and we were still full. What we’re running into now is the middle class people who have worked their whole lives finding it’s not enough and having to come for assistance. Everyone’s hurting right now.”

Volunteer Kay Shirley said five buggies had already been emptied before noon at her station by the home section. “It’s really a great cause,” Shirley said.

Young and old alike made donations to the drive. Daniel Musgrave, 9, of Peaster, used his allowance to help some people in need.

“People are needing help, so I want to help,” Musgrave said as he handed a bag of macaroni and cheese and potted meat to a volunteer.

Some parents like Freddie Fisher of Weatherford were trying to use the food drive as a learning experience. His son, Forrest, 7, put two bags into a buggy that had just been emptied.

“We like doing things like this and am trying to teach him to be generous and realize we have more than many people,” Freddie Fisher said. “I wanted him to give up the Spiderman stuffed toy he won in the machine, but it was the first time he had ever won anything.”

Jamie Gentsch donated for “the good cause.” At her job, employees donate their time at a Fort Worth food pantry. “It feels good to give,” Gentsch said.

No final totals of food collected were available as of press time.