40 Local Volunteers Join Forces to Fight Hunger

Many families are in need throughout the year, but the need spikes over the holidays as children – often fed at school through federal programs – spend more time at home. That’s why more than 40 Ameriprise financial advisors from Royal Oak joined forces with Gleaners Food Bank to volunteer to pack boxes of food this month.

“Ameriprise Financial is dedicated to supporting organizations like Gleaners that are committed to hunger relief efforts,” said Elizabeth Foley, who organized the volunteer effort. “As the recession made clear by leaving one in six Americans struggling with food scarcity, hunger knows no boundaries.”

Contribute food for a cause 

There are a variety of ways to donate to Gleaners: by donating money, time or food or by hosting a food drive. Food can be donated at food drives throughout the area, or at one of the five Gleaners warehouses including the Gleaners Oakland Distribution Center at 120 E. Columbia Ave. in Pontiac.

Or you can shop Gleaners' virtual grocery shelves. Click to get started!

Follow progress of Patch's fight against hunger. Click to watch donations grow! 

Monetary donations are accepted online as well at www.gcfb.org. These donations allow Gleaners to purchase items such as fresh produce, protein and frozen meats.

For those who would rather volunteer, or do both, there is still plenty of room for volunteers. Gleaners advises that everyone intending to volunteer call ahead to ensure the date is free. Around the holidays volunteer participation rises, but there still is a need for helping hands not only at food drives and helping sort food, but also in the office with tasks such as thank you notes.

For more information on how to volunteer or donate at Gleaners, go to www.gcfb.org.