March is here, and so is the AOH Food Drive
Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians join Anaconda Job Corps students and staff and Project Care Food Bank volunteers at the 2024 AOH Food Drive. Courtesy photo.
Hibernians and Job Corps students join forces in hauling boxes of food donated by Lincoln Primary School students for the 2024 AOH Food Drive. Courtesy photo.
March is here so that means it's time to go green – and the first thing on the agenda for St. Patrick's Month is the annual Ancient Order of Hibernians' St. Paddy's Day Race Food Drive, which is now underway.
Last year's food drive brought in literally tons of food – 4,300 lbs. to be exact – for the Project Care Food Bank, plus more than $10,000 in monetary donations for the food bank, and food drive organizer Joe Mehrens said he's hoping to exceed those marks this year.
"There is a concern and hope that the federal government continues its support and that any changes do not negatively effect the much-needed food banks," said Mehrens, adding that "The continued grassroots efforts and support from the Anaconda community is so uplifting and appreciated. We hope and pray that this support continues for the many needy families in Anaconda."
On average this past year, the Project Care Food Bank served 240 families per month in Anaconda, Mehrens said.
As to the specifics of the food drive, Mehrens said both Stokes and Albertsons grocery stores will have cases of food on sale to purchase for the food drive, that Anaconda Public Schools will be having contests for collection of food to inspire more donations, and churches in town will be collecting food and monetary donations next week.
Donations are welcome at the Project Care Food Bank in the basement of St. Peter's Church, 401 Alder St. in Anaconda during their normal business hours, or by contacting Mehrens at (406) 563-2319 for pickup.
The main pickup day will be Friday, March 14 at the AOH Hall, 106 Cherry St., and then on Saturday, March 15 is the St. Paddy's Day Race, which serves as a fundraiser for the food bank. Monetary donations can be submitted online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MT/Anaconda/AOHStPatsRace. For more information, questions or to schedule a time for collecting your food donations, contact Joe Mehrens at (406) 563-2319. And check back in with the Anaconda Leader on Friday for our preview of all the
"St. Patrick's Week" happenings in Anaconda – and with continuing coverage leading up to and after the big day on March 17.
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