CRS Sees 37% Need Increase Before Second 'March Away Hunger'

Avon Lake Community Council is again asking neighbors, students, churches, organizations and businesses in Avon Lake and Avon to join their second annual communitywide food drive, March Away Hunger, during the month of March, to benefit Community Resource Services (CRS), which provides staple items to individuals and families in need in Avon and Avon Lake.

The drive is sponsored by the Avon Lake Community Council.

The 2012 March Away Hunger drive brought in 4,158 pounds of food valued at $6,663 for CRS.

“It is my understanding that there is a 50 percent drop in federal donations for food pantries, yet the need is increasing for families,” President of Avon Lake Community Council Martin O’Donnell, said. “If we can assist in keeping the shelves stocked so families in need in Avon Lake and Avon are fed, then our objective for this food drive would be accomplished.” 

Avon Lake City Schools are just one of the numerous collection sites, which gives the children in the community an opportunity to participate.

“Projects like this teach our children the invaluable lesson that life is not about them,” Westview principal Paul Holland. said. “It teaches that helping others has intrinsic rewards that can only be felt by practicing charity and love towards others.”

Several schools in Avon will also be drop-off locations.

Last year need was a big jump from 2011.  

“Requests for food assistance in 2012 was up 37 percent from 2011,” CRS Executive Director Susan Poole said. “Residents of Avon Lake and Avon visited our onsite food pantry a total of 7,495 times for nonperishables, bread and other household items.” 

March is also the time when the food pantry shelves become a little sparse.  With the end of the school year right around the corner, CRS would like to emphasize the need for “kidfriendly” items.  “During the summer months, families see an increased need for quick and healthy options for their kids on the go.  Items like granola bars, juice boxes and canned ravioli come in handy and this would be a great time to stock up on these items,” Poole said.

March for Hunger

Beginning March 1 and continuing through March 30, items can be dropped off at one of eight collection sites in Avon Lake and three in Avon:  The Avon Lake Public Library, all Avon Lake City Schools, Avon Lake City Hall, Old Firehouse Community Center, Avon Lake Safety Center, Avon Lake Service Department, First Federal of Lakewood (Walker Road branch) and The Commerce Group, Avon East Elementary, Avon Village Elementary and Suntan Supply in Avon.

The “Super Seven” (yearround pantry needs):

• Canned tuna/chicken
• Cereal
• Hearty Soups
• Dinner “helpers” – rice & pasta
• Paper products – paper towels, tissue, toilet paper
• Cleaning supplies – laundry soap, dish soap, bathroom cleaners
• Personal hygiene items – shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, disposable razors

Plus “Super Summer Seven” (summer essentials for kids home from school):

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Fruit or applesauce cups
• Macaroni and cheese
• Juice boxes
• Pudding cups
• Spaghettios/Ravioli
• Snacks for healthy kids on the go (e.g., crackers, granola /breakfast bars, etc.)