For Immediate Release
Beauclerc Elementary does its part
to help make 2008 NALC Food Drive
most successful ever on First Coast
Students at the Mandarin school contribute
more than 1,800 pounds of food during one-day drive
to 'Kick Off' NALC Food Drive weekend;
Publix to reward students with ice cream parties
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 20, 2008) - Students at Beacuclerc Elementary School in Jacksonville opened a record-setting weekend for the 16th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by collecting 1,823 pounds of food in a one-day event held at the school on Friday, May 9. The food collected at Beauclerc will create 1,215 meals for people in need throughout north Florida - or roughly one meal per student at Beauclerc - according Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida Director Patrick Colley.
The school's efforts jump-started the weekend food drive in Jacksonville that saw a record of more than 283,000 pounds of food collected in a four-county area for the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida. The total weight collected represented a 40 percent increase from the 2007 food drive.
"We can't thank the administration, parents and students at Beauclerc Elementary School enough for their generous support of the NALC Food Drive," Colley said. "The Beauclerc event was one of the highlights of the weekend because of the joy and excitement that was shown by the students as they made their donations to help those in need throughout our community. The food donated will make a tremendous impact, and it was a great start to an incredible weekend of generosity throughout the Jacksonville area."
Publix donated the bags in which many of the Beauclerc students were able to make their donations. The grocery retailer is also contributing free ice cream to the class in each grade with the best participation in the food drive.
"With Beauclerc Elementary's assistance, the NALC enjoyed the best food drive we've ever had in the Jacksonville area," NALC representative Bob Henning said. "I would like to thank each of the students, parents and faculty for their support and for kicking off the food drive in such a fine fashion."
Principal Annetta Kornblum said the event was a tremendous learning experience for her students, enabling them to "give back" to the community in which they live. |
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About Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida is the oldest and largest program of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida. LSS was founded in 1979 by area Lutherans and business leaders and continues to be led by LCMS and ELCA congregations today. The agency currently operates five programs: Second Harvest Food Bank, a member of America's Second Harvest food network; Refugee and Immigration Services, which resettles 90% of all refugees coming to Jacksonville through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM); International Adoption, a member of Lutheran Adoption Network, a national collaboration of 30 Lutheran social ministry organizations that place thousands of children in caring adoptive homes, regardless of faith background, every year; AIDS Care and Education Program and Representative Payee Services. LSS also operates The Sharing Place Thrift Shop, 4615 Philips Highway, Tues.-Sat. Call 904.448.5995 for more information about any of these programs and services. |
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| CONTACT:
Lutheran Social Services of NE Florida Tom Strother
Advancement Manager (Communications)
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Volunteers Needed!
The Second Harvest Food Bank staff is in need of volunteers to assist in the sorting of food following the May 10 National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.
With more than 283,000 pounds of food collected, the warehouse at the Jessie Street facility is overflowing with non-perishable products. However, the food must be sorted and moved quickly to effectively reach those in need.
How To Help: Those interested in volunteering their time at the Food Bank should contact Rev. Larry Riley, volunteer coordinator, at 904.353.3663 (ext. 223) or e-mail lriley@wenourishhope.org
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