Hundreds At Md. Food Bank 'Pack To Give Back' By Preparing Holiday Boxes
HALETHORPE, Md. (WJZ) -- The Maryland Food Bank is once again gearing up for a busy holiday season. This time, it's on track to help more families than ever.
Monique Griego has more on this year's efforts.
Most of the volunteers work for companies that helped raise money to buy the food. In just one day, they're going to pack nearly 20,000 boxes for needy families.
An assembly line of activity at the Maryland Food Bank, as hundreds of volunteers feverishly "pack to give back" by preparing holiday boxes.
"[The boxes] are going to go out to people all across the state along with a 14 pound turkey for a great holiday meal," said Deborah Flateman, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank.
Flateman says the organization raised $260,000 this year through corporate sponsors for the Pack to Give Back program. That money bought enough food for 18,000 boxes -- 3,000 more than last year. The companies then asked employees to come help pack them up.
"It's just nice to help out during the holiday season," said Eric Valle, Grainger volunteer.
The boxes are filled with all the traditional holiday fixings, like cranberry sauce and stuffing. And once they leave the facility, they'll pair up with a turkey before heading to a family.
"I think it's wonderful. I think it's a box that anyone would want to open and be happy to receive," said Eleanor Smith, The Bunting Family Foundation.
"Not only are they providing foods for families, but also providing opportunity for families to come together, to make a meal and to really provide a special time," said Eliza Graham, The Bunting Family Foundation.
The other Maryland Food Bank branches packing boxes are in Wicomico and Washington counties.
The food for the boxes was covered by sponsors like the Bunting Family Foundation, the Baltimore Orioles, CSX and the Grainger Foundation.
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