Curves hosts food drive

During the month of March, the members of Curves are hoping to gain weight to help the Beacon.

Within the Curves corporation, March is dedicated to gathering donations for local food banks. According to Angie Kemmerer, co-owner of the local Curves, the Curves club that generates the largest donation by weight in relation to their member size will receive a $1,000 check written directly to their local food bank. In addition, four runners-up will receive a $500 check as well as four clubs which will be drawn at random.

"Our goal is to help local families in need, by reaching out to another we make each other stronger," Kemmerer said.

Kemmerer dropped off a donation of 702.8 pounds of food to The Beacon on Monday afternoon. She said they have set a goal of 2,500 pounds by March 31.

"We didn't expect to bring in that much in one week," she said. "We have great members."

Kemmerer said she hopes to get the community involved in the competition and is offering special offers to non-members. For any person who wants to join Curves, Kemmerer said that if they bring a $30 food donation during March, then the service fee will be waived.

The Beacon Director Bob Eckles said the items they need the most are items which they use every day, including spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, rice, beans, peanut butter, soups, saltine crackers, bread, paper towels, and toilet paper.

"Can't go wrong with the standard stuff," Eckles said.

Eckles said he hopes to use more donations than in previous years. He said that with more and more families asking for help in combination with the rising cost of food, The Beacon operated at 130 percent over their budget on food costs last year.

"These donations really help with food costs," Eckles said. "With the economic times we've seen more business in the last six months than I can remember."

Anyone wanting to make a donation can drop off food items at the Curves office at 323 E. Wall St. or at Buck Run Community Center at 735 Scott Ave.