Record Results for Care & Share Food Drive

The following is a Walla Walla Union Bulletin Editorial from November 20, 2007:

Food drive shows that WW Valley really does Care & Share

The Valley, led by the Walla Walla Association of Realtors, responded to a call for help from the local food bank.

Last month's record-setting Care & Share Food Drive made it clear the people of the Walla Walla Valley do care and share.

The Valley, led by the Walla Walla Association of Realtors, responded to a call for help from the local food bank. The cupboards were bare at the Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank following the recall of Castleberry's Brands canned foods because botulism was found in its product. The local food bank had 185 cases on hand - all of which had to be tossed out.

The Realtors set a goal of 36,000 pounds of food - twice what was collected last year. The October food drive came close to the mark as it brought in an impressive 27,000 pounds of canned food and dry goods.

Well, employees at the Home Loan Center in Walla Walla kept the drive going and collected another 2,830 pounds in food and about $1,500 in cash. That money will be used to purchase food and it will put the food drive over the 36,000-pound goal, said Gail McGhee, the food bank manager.

The incredible success of this year's Care & Share Food Drive is a testament to the spirit and generosity of this community. It shows that when there is a real need for neighbors to help neighbors that the people of the Valley respond.

A great many people who might have gone hungry this winter will now have food for their families.

Folks throughout the Valley should be proud of all they've done to help those in need.