More food needed for White Doves Holiday Project

PRESS RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2008

The White Doves Holiday Project is still facing a food shortage despite an impressive food drive conducted by the Boy Scouts of America Sailfish District.

Scouting for Food raised approximately 13,000 pounds, which has helped the White Doves Holiday Project in its quest to reach its 18,000-pound goal, but 5,000 pounds of food is still needed.

“So far, in terms of food collected, we are about 25 percent below where we need to be able to feed all of the families who have come to us in need this year,” said Carol Hodnett, director of Martin Volunteers, the program that organizes the White Doves Holiday Project. “We have given larger families two bags of food in years past, but so far this year it looks like we will struggle to give some families one bag.”

Some residents and businesses have recognized this year’s greater need and are doing what they can to bring in more food.

Residents of Martin Downs Country Club in Palm City are conducting their own food drive from now until Dec. 12 and Milam’s Markets in Stuart is encouraging its patrons to donate non-perishable food items by acting as a food drop off location.

The White Doves Holiday Project is encouraging other residents and communities to LIVE UNTIED by either donating non-perishable food or starting their own food drive.

Suggestions for non-perishable food items include: canned vegetables and fruit, soup, rice, beans, pasta, boxed potatoes, peanut butter and canned meat.

For more information about White Doves, call (772) 220-4472 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org/whitedoves.