Valley Churches kicks off seasonal food drive

Valley Churches United Missions will kick off its holiday food drive with a kickoff event at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 31 in Ben Lomond.
As part of a 31-year tradition, students of neighboring St. Andrews Preschool dressed in Halloween costumes will drop off canned goods they’ve collected to donate to the emergency food pantry, officially beginning the annual holiday food drives.
“The message is clear,” said Linda Lovelace of Valley Churches United Missions, “You are never too young to help the less fortunate.”
The pantry is located at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond.
Lovelace said she anticipates a large number of holiday assistance requests as residents face the increasing costs of housing, utilities and transportation.  
“Many of our clients are the last in line to recover from any kind of economic downturns,” she said. “This results in our plea to the community for support. We couldn’t do it without you.”
VCUM has a number of upcoming activities.
– The VCUM Holiday Boutique will open to shoppers and for food donations Monday, Oct. 28. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday through Christmas.
– On Friday, Nov. 1 food barrel distribution begins to local businesses. Businesses that would like to participate may call 336-8258.
– School canned food drives begin November 1 and run through December 18 in a competition for the Grand Can Award.
For information: www.vcum.org