Altus AFB and community come together for 26th Annual Harvest for the Hungry

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Volunteers from Altus AFB and the City of Altus are scheduled to deliver empty bags around the base and community, Nov. 3, 2012, for the 26th Annual Harvest for the Hungry.

Harvest for the Hungry is a program used to restock the Community Cupboard every year and is organized by the Altus Associated Christian Ministry Inc. and Southwest Community Action Group Inc., helping feed less-fortunate families in the Altus area.

Once filled, the bags are scheduled to be picked up from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 10.

According to a flyer distributed by the Community Cupboard, over the past 5 years, the number of families receiving food baskets from the cupboard has doubled with an average of 125 baskets given out each month, but donations have not kept up with the need.

"The Harvest for the Hungry is very important because it restocks the Community Cupboard with food and household items that less fortunate families cannot always afford," said Molly Reid, Community Cupboard founder. "More than 13,000 items were donated last year."

The cupboard is asking the Altus community to fill the bags delivered to their homes with non-perishable food items. The items in greatest needs are - canned meat, soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, dried beans, dried peas, pasta, rice, flour, canned or powdered milk, sugar, cornmeal, peanut butter, jelly or jam, ramen style noodles, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, hot and cold cereal, bar soap, laundry detergent, toilet tissue, baby food and disposable diapers.

"The items that were donated last year filled a total of 900 baskets, feeding more than 960 adults and 500 children," Reid said. "It is very humbling to see the outpour of support and care that Altus Air Force Base and the community provide to ensure that nobody goes hungry."

For more information about Harvest for the Hungry and the Community Cupboard, contact Molly Reid at 580-471-9489.