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Friday, March 29, 2024

DeLuca Toyota in Ocala to host ‘Share Your Christmas’ food drive on December 7

DeLuca Toyota in Ocala will host the 37th annual WESH 2 “Share Your Christmas” food drive benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank on Wednesday, December 7, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The collection event will mark the fourth time that the Ocala dealership, which is located at 1719 SW College Road, has partnered with Orlando television station WESH 2.

“We got involved with this event to fill the hunger gap in our community and to make an impact right here at home,” said Frank DeLuca, owner and president of DeLuca Toyota. “One in eight neighbors in our community faces hunger. These have been challenging times for so many in our community.”

Here is a list of some of the most needed donation items:

  • Fruits – Canned fruit (in its own juice, no sugar added varieties), dried fruit, 100% fruit juice.
  • Vegetables – Canned vegetables (reduced salt/no salt varieties), 100% vegetable juice.
  • Grains – Rice, pasta, crackers (whole-grain varieties), ready-to-eat cereal (low sugar/high-fiber), oatmeal.
  • Protein Foods – Canned meat/poultry, canned tuna/salmon (packed in water), canned/dry beans and peas (low/no salt varieties), peanut butter.
  • Dairy/Dairy Alternatives – Nonfat dry milk, evaporated milk, soy milk.
  • Meals Beef stew, canned soup (reduced sodium varieties), chili, other canned meals.
  • Other Nutritional drinks (Ensure, Boost, etc.).
  • Baby Food – Must be in complete and undamaged original packaging. No individual serving glass or plastic containers unless in an unopened case.
  • Non-food Items – Diapers, toiletries (soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.). Must be unopened and stored separately from food donations.

Each donation will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute to the hungry and less fortunate residents of Marion County. In addition, for every pound of food collected on Wednesday, DeLuca Toyota will donate $1 (up to $10,000).

“All donations stay right here in Marion County, and we hope this makes a difference,” added Frank DeLuca.

For more information, visit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s website.