United Way “Christmas in June” food drive raises 20,000 items for 33 area pantries
MEDIA RELEASE
UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
6.21.18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ryan Cheevers / 269.932.3546
United Way “Christmas in June” food drive raises 20,000 items for 33 area pantries
51 local businesses participated in the second annual United Way of Southwest Michigan event
Every year, food pantries across Southwest Michigan are fully stocked in the winter months thanks to generous holiday donations—but when summer comes, donations are few and pantry shelves become sparse. This can leave low-income, hard-working families with limited options during this time of year. So, for the second year in a row, United Way of Southwest Michigan asked local businesses to participate in a “Christmas in June” event to stock local food pantries with items to get them through the warmer months.
This year, 51 businesses in Berrien and Cass counties participated in “Christmas in June,” collecting more than 20,000 items that were delivered to 33 area pantries—and bringing much-needed cheer to local families and those in the community who serve them. There was a big jump in participation in the event this year: Last June, 34 organizations collected 15,000 items for 22 area pantries.
“It’s clear that we need to continue working together to combat food insecurity year-round,” said Charlotte Becker, director of annual campaign at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “When we come together and work as a community, we all win—and this event is an opportunity for everyone to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
“Christmas in June” is part of a worldwide United Way “Day of Action” effort, held on and around June 21, during which tens of thousands of people across the globe volunteer with local United Ways to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
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