Giving Tree event seeks donations to combat hunger
By Lisa Crockett
The Giving Tree: Douglas County United Against Hunger is gearing up for its fourth annual food drive on April 14 at King Soopers. The event to support the Food Bank at the Douglas/Elbert Task Force will run from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Castle Pines. Alumni of Leadership Douglas County in Lone Tree started the organization four years ago in response to the economic downturn and its impact on the community.
“We would love to have volunteers help with this worthy cause,” said Carla Kenny, vice president of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The event is being sponsored by the Chamber as well as American Furniture Warehouse and Leadership Douglas County alumni.
This effort is the largest one-day food drive in Douglas County, last year collecting more than 30,000 pounds of food. In a typical year, the Food Bank will distribute more than $500,000 in food, hygiene and household supplies to more than 14,000 people in Douglas County communities. More than half of those who received supplies and services were children.
“This time of year the food banks are low. Everybody jumps to help during the holidays and then there is a slump in donations,” said Kenny. “There are so many needy families here in Douglas County, and we want to help.”
The Food Bank especially needs tuna, peanut butter, canned meat, beans, rice, soups, Hamburger Helper, school snacks, and canned fruit. Cash donations are also welcome. The Task Force has buying power at places like Food Bank of the Rockies, which enables them to purchase 23 pounds of food for just $5.
If you are interested in volunteering at the food drive, contact Carla Kenny at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce at 303-688-3359.
