More than 4,000 pounds collected in food drive

PROCTORVILLE — Kroger has donated $1,000 to the two food pantries near its Proctorville store to help feed the hungry during the holiday season.

District manager Scott Richardson and Proctorville store manager Wendy Jenkins presented $500 to the Community Mission Outreach and $500 to the RMA Food Pantry as part of the Community Harvest Food Drive held at the store over the weekend.

More than 4,200 pounds of food items were collected during the drive. The food will be distributed to the two local food pantries. Kroger’s $1,000 donation will allow the pantries to have additional food to distribute to the hungry.

“We’re delighted with the results of the food drive,” said Jenkins. “The donation of food items was tremendous, and the volunteers were wonderful. It’s gratifying to be involved with a community effort that helps feed the hungry.”

“I’m humbled by the response of the community,” said Cheryl Bradford, director of the RMA Food Pantry, operated by Rome Ministerial Association located at New Hope Methodist Church. “Our shelves were a bit thin, and we’ll use this food to prepare boxes for Thanksgiving for families in need.”

Don Moore, director of the Community Mission Outreach, said the drive collected more food than he expected.

“I am grateful to the people of our community for their generosity. Our pantry now will have more food to distribute to hungry families in November as we approach Thanksgiving.” The Community Mission Outreach food pantry is located in the Chesapeake Community Center.

The food drive was sponsored by the Proctorville Kroger, Ohio University Southern, Proctorville and Ironton, and County Commissioner Freddie Hayes.  Dr. Ricky Ray, pastor of New Crossing Baptist Church, coordinated the volunteers and churches in the community.