First Lady Cheri Daniels kicks off state employee food drive
INDIANAPOLIS (February 1, 2010) – First Lady Cheri Daniels today announced the kickoff of the annual Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers food drive for Indiana state employees. During the month of February, 65 agencies and 132 divisions throughout state government will coordinate efforts to collect non-perishable items for local food banks.
"We received an overwhelming response to last year’s call for donations," said First Lady Cheri Daniels. "I have no doubt that state employees will continue to recognize the importance of helping our fellow Hoosiers in need."
For the 2009 drive, state agencies joined together to collect more than 81,000 food items and raise $9,400 in monetary donations.
Suggested contributions include canned fruits, vegetables and meats as well as soup, rice and pasta. Collection bins provided by Gleaners Food Bank are located in the Indiana Government Center cafeterias and outside the Governor’s Office in the State House. Other state offices around the state have donation boxes located within their individual facilities.
The signature event for the Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers food drive is IndiCANa, a structure building competition with cans. The contest for state employees will be held on Thursday, February 18, in the Indiana Government Center South atrium. First Lady Cheri Daniels will serve as judge for the competition.
Additional information, photos and a list of participating regional food banks will be updated throughout the month at this link: http://www.in.gov/gov/firstlady/2546.htm
The food drive will conclude on February 26.
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Media contacts: Julie Aud, Office of the First Lady, 317/931.3076, jaud@gov.in.gov
Sarah Tagtmeyer, Office of the First Lady, 317/931.3076, stagtmeyer@gov.in.gov
