Organizers of the third annual Bring the Harvest Home Holiday Food Drive in Marion County say it was a huge success.
More than 6,000 pounds of canned goods and toiletry donations poured in at the Square and at Queen of Peace Catholic Church as part of the food drive. The campaign helped restock local food pantries such as Interfaith Emergency Services, Brother's Keeper and Salvation Army, which have faced nearly bare shelves recently.
"Each canned good and toiletry item donated directly benefits a struggling family in Marion County," said Commissioner Kathy Bryant, who spearheaded the initiative. “Once again, our residents and partner agencies came together to support our neighbors and we are tremendously grateful for that.”
Partner agencies this year included: Marion County Sheriff's Office, City of Ocala, Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, United Way of Marion County, Florida Public Relations Association - Ocala Chapter, Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Public Library System, Ocala Police Department and Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
The “Bring the Harvest Home” food drive was first held in 2011. Since then, the effort has garnered more than 100,000 pounds of food and toiletries donations for local pantries.