Got Canned Goods? Thanksgiving Food Drive Kicks Off Saturday

Over 500,000 meals were provided to needy families in 2012 just for the Thanksgiving season by Metropolitan Ministries. This year, the need is larger and they have launched a campaign to have “the biggest food drive ever” for the Tampa Bay area to meet the increased needs.

The Ministries is asking businesses and individuals to participate so that over 700,000 pounds of food can go out in holiday food boxes. 

One local business has stepped up to help out. Bill Currie Ford wants to fill up the bed of a Ford F150 truck and a vintage Mustang convertible with food items on Saturday, Sept. 7. 

Said Tim Joslin, General Manager at Bill Currie Ford: “We have served the Tampa Bay community and the surrounding area for 53 years and feel that it is important that we support the community that has supported us for so long. The current economic conditions require all of us to examine our commitment to one another and to reach out and help where and when we can."

Metropolitan Ministries President Tim Marks agreed.

“Sure it’s a huge task, one like we’ve never seen before. But, our community needs us, and we’re not going to run our backs on those who need food.”

The Food Drive is Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Bring a donation and/or participate in the Drive 4 UR Community Campaign. Be sure to register to win a 60” Flat Screen TV along with additional prizes.

Some of the highlights of the event include:

•         Mustang Club of Tampa-Car Cruise

•         Enjoy Lunch off the Grill 

•         Drive 4 UR Community; With every test drive, (one per Family) Ford will donate $20 to Metropolitan Ministries - Up to $6,000

The award-winning Plant High School drum line will perform and there will be games, a bouncy house and surprises for children. Bill Currie Ford is located at 5815 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. 

The food items needed the most are canned fruits, peanut butter, boxed cereal, canned meats and canned beans.