Donut Strike for Manna, first responders raise 30,750 healthy meals for Manna Food Bank
Local law enforcement and fire departments teamed up again to fight hunger.
During the 2023 Donut Strike for Manna, eight agencies across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties collected food and funds, raising the equivalent of 30,750 healthy meals for hungry neighbors in need served by Manna Food Bank. This year’s event brings first responders’ total contributions since 2017 to more than 160,000 healthy meals for children and families in need.
Pen Air Federal Credit Union supported the Donut Strike once again by kicking off the three-day event with a $10,000 contribution to Manna in support of first responders’ efforts.
Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
Generous event supporters also include Buzz Marketing, Hanto + Clarke, Kia Autosport, Pensacola Professional Firefighters Local 707, Red Iron Design House, and all participating grocer locations including Apple Market, several Publix locations, Sam’s Club, several Walmart locations and several Winn-Dixie locations.
First responders went on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies from June 21 through June 23 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna.
Visit mannahelps.org for details.
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Pilot Club of Pensacola gives $16,000 to local nonprofits
The Pilot Club of Pensacola recently celebrated a successful year of volunteerism and fundraising by giving away $16,000 to 11 different Pensacola non-profits.
Checks were presented to ARC Gateway, Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers, Covenant Alzheimer's Care, Epilepsy Alliance Florida, Escambia Search and Rescue, Escambia Westgate, Gulf Coast Kid's House, Learn to Read, Pyramid Inc., RIF Pensacola and Studer Community Institute.
The focus of Pilot International and the Pilot Club of Pensacola is to encourage brain safety and health and to support those who care for others. Each charity submitted a project related to that focus and the Pilot Club of Pensacola was pleased to be able to fund all the projects this year.
Pilot International has been working for the betterment of communities around the world for over 100 years. The Pilot Club of Pensacola has been helping the local Pensacola area for over 95 years.
Email pilotclubpensacola@gmail.com for details.
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Michelle Salzman hosts Food Distribution and Backpack Giveaway
Rep. Michelle Salzman and the Gonzalez Methodist Church in partnership with Farm Share and other community partners are sponsoring a Food Distribution and Backpack Giveaway from 8 a.m. until supplies last July 22 (minimum of 300 families) at the Gonzalez United Church, 2026 Pauline St., Cantonment.
The food distribution will help those who may be struggling and going through a hard time to supplement for their families.
Community members that are helping to make this event happen — from donation of food, backpacks and school supplies, boxes, forklifts, time, volunteers, and spreading the word — include State Rep. Michelle Salzman, Farmshare, Commissioner Steven Barry, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Kevin Stephens, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, International Paper, Ascend Cares (Ascend Performance Materials), Gonzalez Methodist Church, Aaron Erskine, State Farm Tyler Kercher, Escambia County Council PTA and Thompson Trucking.
Call 850-324-2744 or email jennifer@gcpromo.com for details.
District 2 Navy Point/Beach Haven hosts Neighborhood Cleanup
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Navy Point/Beach Haven will take place on July 21. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge. Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. Residents who live in the targeted area will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.
Since 2016, more than 5,898 tons of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency's Safe Neighborhood Program. During cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Call 850-595-3499 or email mprogers@myescambia.com for details.
Take part: To make a Causes submission, email giving@pnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Donut Strike for Manna, first responders raise 30,750 healthy meals
