FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2009 CONTACT: Jen Greer
MARTIN LUTHER KING FOOD DRIVE KICKS OFF DECEMBER 28TH
CONCORD, NH – In an effort to carry the spirit of goodwill into the new year, Volunteer NH announces the statewide Martin Luther King Food Drive which will run from December 28, 2009, through January 15, 2010. Food collected during this time will follow the holiday seasonal food drives and help replenish dwindling supplies at local pantries throughout the state.
The MLK Food Drive is one of hundreds of activities that cities and states throughout the country are organizing to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. This initiative is a partnership among Volunteer NH, United Ways of NH, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and local organizations and businesses that are hosting food collection sites.
Food assistance donation programs are facing increased demand and pressure as more people seek help during the holidays and year-round. During its first year of operation, 2-1-1 NH, the statewide information and referral service, fielded 987 calls related to food assistance. Food was the most-often searched subject on www.211nh.org from June 2008 to June 2009.
“The needs of New Hampshire citizens have increased and unfortunately donations to food pantries have declined,” said Volunteer NH’s Executive Director Tim Dupre. “The Martin Luther King Food Drive offers an opportunity for New Hampshire’s strong volunteer base and compassionate citizens to overcome this challenge and combat hunger in the Granite State.” With over 60,000 people seeking food assistance in New Hampshire each year, it is clear that hunger doesn’t stop after the holidays.
Volunteer NH is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the tradition of service in New Hampshire. Building on that strong volunteer spirit, Volunteer NH supports and sponsors national service initiatives and provides training, recognition, and a central site for volunteers and volunteer programs to help them strengthen their communities.
For information regarding the food drive and collection locations, please contact Kara Swedlow by phone at 603-271-7211, by email at vista@volunteernh.org; online at www.volunteernh.org
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