Waynesboro Kiwanis Kicks Off Drive to Raise a Ton of Money for Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

Kathy Johnson 540-836-8164 or kj.bedford@gmail.com

The Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro has kicked off a drive at their meeting on February 21, to "Raise a Ton of Money" to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. The project is focused on raising a ton (2,000 pounds) of cash and coins. The Kiwanis campaign will end during the club's annual Kiwanis Charities for Kids Pancake Breakfast on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March17.

The club is encouraging other clubs, businesses and organizations to join them by gathering up lose coins, cash and checks to benefit the project. All money will be gathered and totaled during the clubs annual breakfast and groups and individuals are encouraged to deposit their donations into the Food Bank 55 gallon collection barrel. Virtual pounds will be added to the weight for checks and folding money.

Pint, quart and gallon jars have been placed with many local merchants to encourage the public to donate toward the ton needed to reach the club's goal. Every one dollar raised can provide four meals for someone in need. A typical mixed pint of coins is equal to approximately $30 (weighing around 4 pounds). The goal, to "Raise a Ton of Money" (2,000 pounds) of coins, currency, and checks should equal between $13,000 and $15,000 and with that, the Food Bank would be able to provide between 52,000 and 60,000 meals. For more information about the event or information on how to add your clubs donation to the "Raise a Ton of Money" campaign, contact club secretary, Kathy Johnson at 540-836-8164 or kj.bedford@gmail.com.