Donation effort builds for sixth annual Day of Action Food Drive

Donations of nutritious non-perishable foods are being accepted at several sites in the Mid-Valley as the effort builds up to the Day of Action Food Drive coordinated by Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way.

The annual event, in its sixth year, benefits local food closets and helps residents in need.

“Each year, we have been able to sharply increase the amount of food and money we collect,” said Bob Harlan, local United Way executive director.

People are getting accustomed to the food drive and participating more in the event, he said.

In 2014, the food drive collected about 10,000 pounds; in 2015, 16,000 pounds. This year’s goal is 30,000 pounds.

The food drive is done during the summer, when donations to food banks bottom out, Harlan said.

“People generally give during the holidays. ... The need is 365 days a year.”

About 40 collection barrels can be found in stores and government offices throughout the communi- ty, with more available for offices and organizations interested in hosting their own mini-food drives.

Drop-off locations can be found online at yubasutterunitedway.org.

United Way will pick up the donations from the various sites on June 22 for the Day of Action Food Drive that features three locations.

The local United Way Day of Action is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 24 at Grocery Outlet, 1721 Colusa Highway in Yuba City; Tracey’s Diner, 741 J St. in Marysville; and Sav-Mor, 1017 Bridge St. in Colusa.

Donations of money are also being accepted at the Day of Action.

One-hundred percent of all donations – food and money – go to the food closets, Harlan emphasized. Food closets can use the money to purchase more food at a lower cost and purchase non-perishables needed.

Volunteers interested in helping at the YubaSutter-Colusa United Way Day of Action Food Drive should sign up by June 16.

Call 743-1847 for more information about hosting collection barrels or to volunteer. Toll Free.................