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On behalf of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, allow me to extend my most sincere gratitude to the business, organizations and individuals who supported our 30th Annual Christmas in July Drive for Feeding and Reading held last week.
This year, 43 businesses and organizations participated in the drive. In total, 15,902 pounds of food were collected and $31,116.62 dollars were raised.
The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank will distribute the food donations and the monetary gifts will be split between area food pantries and the support for the United Way of Wyoming Valley’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
The drive started in 1989 as a way to address the “summer slump,” a time when food bank donations are low compared to the holiday season. With more children living in poverty today compared to 1989, the drive continues to be as important as ever to reduce food insecurity among families and enhance early learning initiatives for young children.
Our top three donors of food included Trion Industries, Inc., Mondelez International and Benco Dental and Supply Company. The top three monetary donors were Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies, Benco Dental Supply Company and Navient.
We continue to believe that our Christmas in July Drive is about much more than food and money. It is about being responsive to those in need and providing much needed support, kindness, and hope to others.
To those who support the drive, we are grateful. Thank you, once again, for demonstrating what it means to “LIVE UNITED.”
Bill Jones
President and CEO
United Way of Wyoming Valley