The Maryland Senate and Calvert County Board of County Commissioners officially declare October as End Hunger In Calvert County Month. Did you know:
• End Hunger In Calvert County’s partner food pantries serve more than 850 families every single week?
• During the month of October, End Hunger has several events for individuals, families, groups and businesses to get involved and #givewhereyoulive?
First, our Countywide Food Drive kicked off Oct. 1 and lasts through November. Last year, our community collected more than 590,000 pounds of food. All of it stayed right here in Calvert County supplying our 10 local food pantries. Most of Calvert’s grocery stores, Walmarts and library branches serve as major collection sites. Exact locations and a food list with suggested items to donate can be found at endhungercalvert.org.
In addition, every public school in Calvert County will participate. We encourage all parents of school-aged children to visit our website, endhungercalvert.org. There, you will find our 2013 Parents Letter, a calendar that lists your child’s individual school food drive date, as well as a food list with suggested items to donate.
Second, our 5K Run to End Hunger is on Saturday, Oct. 19. This year’s run will be hosted at The Calverton School in Huntingtown. Same-day registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. The course is 3.1 miles and is part of Calverton’s cross-country trail. Registration is $35 and includes a race day T-shirt and swag bag. More information and a link to register is on our website, endhungercalvert.org.
Third, our third annual Bike, Truck and Car Show is also happening on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Oct. 26) at Bayside Chevrolet in Prince Frederick. All years, makes and models are welcome, and we have plenty of awards to give away. Entry is $10 per car and spectators are free. New this year is a performance from Sam Grow.
For more information on all of our events, up-to-date hunger facts or a list of our partner food pantries, or to make a donation, visit our website at endhungercalvert.org.
In closing, End Hunger In Calvert County was recently accredited by the Better Business Bureau for meeting all 20 Standards of Charity Accountability. When you donate to End Hunger In Calvert County and #givewhereyoulive, you can do so with confidence. No matter how you get involved this October, know that you are making a real difference for real people right here in Calvert County.
We look forward to another incredible End Hunger In Calvert County Month together.
Jacqueline Miller, Huntingtown
The writer is the director of awareness for End Hunger In Calvert County.