'Need for food is greater now': Stuff the Truck is a boost for hungry seniors, families

The annual Stuff the Truck food drive to restock the Good News Outreach pantry shelves returns July 8-10 in the parking lot of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road.

Anyone is welcome to donate nonperishable food or personal hygiene items. Last year’s drive filled the boxy, 15-foot truck from floor to ceiling.

Donations can be dropped off at the church Friday afternoon, at the truck Saturday from 5-8 p.m. and at the truck Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 8 p.m. Donors also may contribute by check. Make it out to: Good News Outreach and send it to P.O. Box 3304, Tallahassee, FL 32315.

“Each week the increase in Food Pantry visitors and voicemail inquiries show and tell us that the need for food is greater now due to economic challenges. This generous event could not come at a better time, especially for the senior citizens and very-food-insecure families we serve,” said GNO Executive Director Donald Parks.

“Good Shepard Church has been a steadfast partner with Good News Outreach for almost four decades. Good Shepard’s annual “Stuff the Truck” helps us feed senior citizens and others badly in need of food.”

“Why do we do this? Because Christ calls us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger and clothe the naked,” said Good Shepherd’s Suzanne Printy, who is coordinating the drive.

“As Christians we are followers of Christ and try to do what he calls us to do. We do this in the summer, because low-income children don’t receive meals at school during the summer like they do during the school year. We do this because we are part of the community, all people in the community need to eat every day, and Good News Outreach helps to nourish the minds and bodies of our neighbors, old and young, every day."

Volunteers are needed to collect donations from the public and parishioners on their way to or from weekend services at the church.

Volunteers are also needed to pack the items in boxes for loading onto the truck, which will be in the parking lot. Contact Suzanne Printy at printysg@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

For more information about Good News Outreach visit goodnewsoutreach.org or contact Kimberly West at kimberlys@goodnewsoutreach.org or 850-412-0016

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Community Stuff the Truck food drive a boost for seniors, families