Press releases

Girl Scouts food drive for House of Hope
is a Martin County tradition

PRESS RELEASE DATE: FEB. 24, 2009

Girl Scouts in Martin County will conduct their annual food drive for House of Hope on March 7.

Scout troops will distribute about 8,000 door hangers on March 1 to ask people to fill up bags of food to leave outside on March 7 for the Girl Scouts to pick up and deliver to House of Hope.

 “This is a tradition for the local Girl Scouts,” said Debbie Geiger, who coordinates the Martin County food drive. She started the drive when her daughter was a Girl Scout in second grade. Even though her daughter is grown up, both mother and daughter are still committed to the drive and the need it fulfills.

“House of Hope gives directly to the people who are falling through the cracks,” Mrs. Geiger said. “And the need is so great. We would like to gather about 10,000 pounds, and that isn’t even a month’s supply for House of Hope.”

House of Hope is the largest provider of food to the hungry in Martin County. In 2008 the agency gave out more than 126 tons of food – the equivalent of more than 296,000 meals. One-third of this amount feeds hungry children.

In January 2009 alone, House of Hope distributed 10.4 tons of food – the equivalent of about 24,420 meals.

“We at House of Hope are so appreciative that the Girl Scouts continue to conduct their Martin County food drive,” said Patrick Slattery, executive director of House of Hope. “With the goal they are aiming for, we should be able to provide the equivalent of about 12,000 meals.”

In normal economic times, low-wage workers and fixed-income seniors depend on House of Hope food pantries to fill the gaps. During the past two years, however, more and more middle-income workers whose hours have been reduced or eliminated completely are turning to House of Hope to make ends meet.

The types of nonperishable food items needed include canned tomato products, fruit, vegetables, soup, beans, canned or powdered milk, canned meat and fish, cereal, rice and pasta.

In addition to collections throughout Martin County neighborhoods, the Girl Scouts are asking that gated communities take part by conducting their own drives and contacting House of Hope at (772) 286-4673 for a pickup. People also can bring donations to House of Hope at any time on behalf of the drive.

The main House of Hope location – at the corner of Dixie Highway and Bonita Street – will be open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on March 7 to collect food from the Girl Scouts drive.

The drive is supported by the 800 Girl Scouts in Martin County, troop leaders and parents, Patrick Exterminating, The Day Agency and the Print Shop of Hobe Sound.

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-4673, or visit www.hohmartin.org.