Monday, April 30, 2007

French Club holding Food Drive in Jewett City

Food drive to benefit Jewett City
JEWETT CITY -- The Jacques Cartier Club will hold its annual "555 Challenge" Saturday.

The three 5s in the name of the event stand for the 5,000 pounds of food the club hopes to collect that day to give to the Jewett City Pantry housed in St. Mary's Church.

Forty percent of the borough's population lives under the federal poverty level.

The pantry helps feed more than 150 families -- 500 people who eat 9,500 meals per month -- in Jewett City, Griswold and Preston, according to club President Jeff Raymond.

This is the club's first food drive, but it hopes to establish it as an annual tradition, said bar manager Kelly Hulse.

"A lot of people, they'll donate food during the holidays, but sometimes (needy) people are forgotten about during the year," she said.

The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and donors are invited to contribute non-perishable goods. Cash and toiletries will be accepted, as well as items for infants and the elderly.

Local businesses can help by having the club place a drop box in their establishment, which will be collected later.

The challenge will be held rain or shine and live entertainment will be provided.

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