LAKEWOOD RANCH — Even before TechHouse could set out all of their collection boxes last week, donors were showing up with food, notably at Music on Main.
Since they launched the food drive Friday, donations have continued. And that’s welcome news, says Anne Marie Young, vice president of development for TechHouse, a technology-related business at Lakewood Ranch.
Food banks are in need of food now more than ever, said Young, citing the ripple effect of foreclosures, joblessness and an increased number of pets surrendered, because their owners are unable to care for them.
The drive will continue through Aug. 31 to benefit Food Bank of Manatee, Our Daily Bread and Sarasota’s All Faith’s Food Bank.
Rescue groups to be assisted include SPCA’s Honor Sanctuary, Greyhound Rescue and Manatee and Sarasota Humane Society.
“In the current economy, we really haven’t seen the demand let up at all. There is no end in sight as far as we can see. Until then, we are just trying to keep up with the demand and appreciate community-minded organizations like TechHouse,” said Kristen Theisen, of Food Bank of Manatee.
Cindy Morton, president of the board for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Honor Sanctuary, which operates an adoption center, Nate’s Place in Cooper Creek off University Parkway, said the need for animal food is dire.
“We are out of dog food, both dry food and canned. We really need it. We always need cat food and cat litter. It’s really hard out there right now,” Morton said.
Kathy Durfee, CEO of TechHouse, welcomes the opportunity to make a difference.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with our business partners and the overall community for this drive,” she said. “It would be great to beat last year’s accomplishment of over 2,500 pounds of food.”
Collection points for the Summer Harvest Fighting Hunger 2009 food drive include TechHouse, 9040 Town Center Parkway; Comcenter, 9040 Town Center Parkway; Woof Gang Bakery, 8314 Market St., and Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, all in Lakewood Ranch.
For more information, go to www.tech-house.com.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 708-7916.
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