Marion County’s food banks are stocking up thanks to generous donations from the community.
The 10th annual ‘Bring the Harvest Home’ food drive was held on Friday at Ocala’s Downtown Square.
Donations poured in from the community and the drive ended with the collection of nearly 21,000 pounds of food, baby, and toiletry items.
An impressive number of monetary donations totaling nearly $160,000 were also received. These funds will be used to enhance the operations and inventory of each pantry that was involved with the donation drive.
County Commissioner Kathy Bryant shared her excitement by saying, “We have exceeded everything that we have ever done at the Ocala Downtown Square. We ended up with a total of 20,976 pounds of food, non-perishables, baby items, and toiletries that will be shared among the Salvation Army, Brother’s Keeper, and Interfaith Emergency Services.”
During the event, Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Fire Rescue, Belleview Police Department, and Dunnellon Police Department all lent a helping hand.
Last year’s event saw physical and monetary donations combine for nearly 17,000 pounds towards meals for the less fortunate members of the community.
Bryant added, “This community is one of the most giving I have ever seen. That’s one of the things that makes us so special.”