United Way issues food drive reminder

VW independent/submitted information

The United Way of Van Wert County would like to remind everyone that collection efforts for the 2016 United Way Day of Caring Food Drive are well under way. As the blue barrels begin popping up at favorite local businesses for food donations, the United Way encourages all to keep a spare can of food or two ready at all times to fill those barrels.

The goal this year is to collect 40,000 food and toiletry items to restock the Salvation Army Food Pantry.  The pantry is desperately low on food and toiletry items right now and the need is great.

To help reach the goal of 40,000 items, several challenges have been issued to local businesses. One challenge has been issued to all of the local banks in Van Wert County to see who can collect the most items and have bragging rights for the 2016 food drive.

Area residents can help their favorite bank win by bringing in food and toiletry items the next time they stop in to do their banking business. Local banks, the United Way of Van Wert County, and the Salvation Army Food Pantry greatly appreciate the support.

The food drive runs through the end of business Thursday, September 29.  For more information on the United Way Day of Caring or to volunteer with the food drive, contact the United Way at 419.238.6689, email unitedway109@gmail.com, visit its website at www.unitedwayvanwert.org or check it out on Facebook.