The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana

The 7th annual "We Can Care" county wide food drive kicked off February 25th with local businesses, churches, individuals, and organizations coming together at the Anderson library to share plans to meet the 155,000 pound goal. This food and fund drive coming after the holidays helps replenish Madison County food pantries that depend on Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana for food and supplies.

We Can Care is a cooperative effort by the City of Anderson, United Way of Madison County, and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. The drive will run from March 2nd thru March 27th. In the 6 years of We Can Care and with leadership from the City of Anderson the food drive has generated over 761,917 pounds of food for residents of Madison County who are in need.

Tom Brewer, superintendent of the Anderson Water Department, is coordinating efforts for the City and announced that many events and activities were planned during March to help meet the goal. There will be a Raggedy Ann and Andy in a Longaberger basket raffle, a motorcycle show in the city building, Sheila Ashley’s popular entertainment basket raffle, and Nara Manor’s gas card raffles among other events. Tom asked the crowd at the library, “have you eaten today”, and reminded those present that there are many in our communities who have not.

Both funds and food will be collected during the month of March and Anderson businesses, organizations, schools and individuals needing food collections picked up will have city help from March 9 – 13 by calling 648-5915 or 648-6075.

Amy Macomber representing the Madison County Highway Department announced that county vendors have already contributed $750 toward the collection with more expected.

Matt Bender with Boy Scouts of America reported that Boy Scouts will do a trick-or-treat style food collection on March 14th and leave bags to be picked up on Saturday March 21st.

Dennis Ashley with The Flower Cart in Pendleton reported that Pendleton Schools and the Pendleton Retail Association will participate again this year.

Pay Less Supermarket representatives presented a $2,571 check from the Share Your Feast food drive contributed by customers in November and December. Look for pre-packed bags of food to purchase and donation tags at the cash registers for We Can Care at Pay Less stores in March.

JoDean Washington stated that Anderson Community Schools are on board with We Can Care and have a variety of events planned. Stephanie Moran with Character Counts said that her participants will help schools and any other organizations plan and implement food drives and fund collections for We Can Care.

Also incorporated into We Can Care is the Madison County portion of the statewide March Against Hunger competition between law firms in Indiana. The one firm in the state collecting the greatest amount of food and money March 16-31 wins the Attorney General's Cup!

Gary Simmons with the Madison County Extension Office will invite area 4-H clubs to participate as well. Others interested in working on this all-community project should contact Tim Kean or Tiffany Jones at 287-8698 or 800-886-0882 to register your initiative!