PROCTORVILLE-Normally, the women who visit Curves for Women fitness club in Proctorville are seeking a sleeker body and a healthier lifestyle, but during the month of March, something else will be forefront in their minds: Helping others.

In exchange for donating food items, Curves will waive the $149 membership fee. Those who are already club patrons will get special gifts.

"Curves International does this every year," Marsha Navy, manager of the Proctorville location, explained. "This is the first time we've participated since we opened last year but we’re excited about it."

Last year, Curves patrons across the country collected more than 4,000 food items. All of the items collected locally will help local people. Navy said the donations will be given to the Rome Ministerial Association Food Pantry.

Not only club members have begun dropping by with contributions, local residents who simply want to help have answered the call as well. Those who want to donate may call Curves for Women at 886-7140.

Navy said the response to the food drive thus far is indicative of

the quality of people in the Proctorville area community.

"People who come into Curves are caring women who want to improve their lives through good health and fitness and this spills over into helping improve the lives of others," Navy said.