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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Marion County residents encouraged to participate in holiday food drive

Marion County is encouraging residents and businesses to help those in need this holiday season by taking part in its annual Bring the Harvest Home food drive.

“The holidays are a time for family, a time for thankfulness, and a time for giving,” said Marion County Commission Chairman Kathy Bryant. “Now more than ever, our community needs support from those of us who are lucky enough to be able to contribute.”

The effort to collect nonperishable food items, toiletries and baby supplies is currently ongoing and will culminate in an event on Friday, Dec. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Ocala’s Downtown Square. Donated goods will go to three local charitable organizations: Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army.
Residents and businesses may participate by collecting and donating items including, but not limited to:

  • Dry foods and complementary goods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter & jelly);
  • Canned meats (corned beef, ham, tuna, etc.);
  • Canned vegetables and fruits;
  • Baby items (baby cereal, diapers, lotion); and
  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper).

Donations will be accepted via contactless drive-thru on Ocala’s Downtown Square on Dec. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or at a variety of locations throughout the county leading up to the event. Those locations include public libraries, city and county fire stations, sheriff’s office district locations, tax collector’s offices, solid waste recycling centers, Ocala City Hall, Marion County Administration and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership.

“Please take some time this holiday season to help these incredible local services and contribute to those in need,” Bryant said. “I’m looking forward to a big – and safe – turnout on the square, and I hope all our Marion County residents have a happy and healthy holiday season.”

For a complete list of drop-off locations or for more information, visit www.BringtheHarvestHome.com.