East Hills Neighborhood Food Drive

The Regional Food Bank will be collecting in East Hills this weekend.  We had a wonderful response to the collection last year.  Thank you again East Hills!  Please help give back to those in need in 2015.

The way the neighborhood campaign works:  
On SATURDAY JANUARY 10th, prepared paper bags with a letter of explanation attached will be dropped off at the front doors of homes in East Hills.  PLEASE fill your bag with nonperishable foods to donate and leave them outside your front door by 10 am on Sunday morning.  On SUNDAY, JANUARY 11th, bags will be picked up between 10 am and 3:00 pm and brought to a central location to be loaded onto the Regional food bank truck for sorting, storage and distribution to those in need.

Since we know some East Hills residents might be away this time of year, please be aware that for safety reasons we've been told any donation bags left on doorsteps will be promptly picked up if they are not taken inside.  If you know you will be away and/or you'd prefer not to have a bag left at your home, please send an email with your address to lisabarley@nycap.rr.com and we will make sure to accommodate your wishes.  If you do not receive a bag, you may drop off your donations at 40 Cheshire Way before 3:00 on Sunday.

Suggested non-perishable items include:  Protein sources, such as nut butters, canned meats, fish, & beans are especially needed.  Also, complete meals, such as soups, stews and pasta meals.  Boxed cereals, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables.  Speciality items, such as low salt, low fat, gluten free, and ethnic items.   

More Information from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY:

For most of us, thinking of "home" stirs up feelings of warmth, safety, security and love.  Sadly, many of our neighbors are hungry at home.  Please help us make a huge difference in our Capital Region!  

The Facts:

* 1 out of every 6 people in our country is hungry.

* In the tri-city region, 94,000 residents are hungry, and one third of those are children.

* Those affected most by hunger are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

* SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits help many low-income people but the program is supplemental.  Many people run out of food by the second or third week in the month.

* Many people who depend on food pantries for assistance work full time but do not earn enough money to pay rent, electricity, medication costs, etc.  Others are on low, fixed incomes.

* 100% of the food collected (after sorting) will be distributed to local food pantries and the people they serve.

* Hungry people prefer to eat the same types of nutritious food we do.  Protein sources are especially needed.

THANK YOU very much for donating food.  Together, we can take a huge bite out of hunger in the Capital Region.

If you have any further questions, you can contact Lisa Barley at 250-5196 or lisabarley@nycap.rr.com.