The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach Sunset will hold its second of three community drive-by food drives from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church.
Nonperishable food items, including baby and pet food, and monetary donations will be collected in the church’s parking lot at 76 S. Roscoe Blvd. Donors are asked not to bring glass, items with expired dates or anything in easily crushable packaging (such as chips).
The club, with the help of the church and the United Way of St. Johns County, is sponsoring this series of community-wide food drives to help replenish 22 local pantries.
Melissa Nelson, director of the United Way of St. Johns County, said in a recent interview that keeping area pantries’ shelves stocked is always challenging, but has been especially difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous pantries facing empty shelves on a weekly basis.
“Every year, as we approach the upcoming holidays, the need always increases,” she said. “This year, it’s crucial we not forget those in our community who need our continuing support.”
Nelson also had a number of reminders for those planning to donate to any of the upcoming food drives: nonperishable items only; take advantage of “buy one-get one” specials when shopping at the grocery store; consider donating items such as rice flour, pasta, dried beans, spices, meal extenders or even boxed milk, canned fruit, vegetables, tuna, chicken, etc.
She also recommended double bagging or packing donated goods in boxes to facilitate easy and safe transfer to the pantries.
“Replenish the Pantry” food drives are a safe and simple way to give back to the local community. To maintain social distancing and promote safety, drivers stay in their cars, drive through the porte-cochère at the church parking lot where Rotary volunteers wearing masks will unload boxed or bagged donations directly from car trunks or back seat areas.
In addition, cash donations are welcome and credit cards will also be accepted with the money going to the United Way of St. Johns County to directly benefit the food pantries and local families in need.
Horton Hickerson, president of the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach Sunset, said the club is committed to working with the United Way to help alleviate hunger in St. Johns County.
“Teaming up with United Way and the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church on these food drives gives our members a safe way to stay connected and continue to contribute to our community even in the time of COVID,” he said. “Fighting hunger is one of Rotary International’s main initiatives around the world. We decided that there was plenty of need right here at home.”
For further information or to arrange for a monetary donation, contact project coordinator Paula Roderick at (904) 280-8933.
