Lynn Haven, Family Services partner for food drive

News Herald - 12/12/2017

Dec. 12--LYNN HAVEN -- The City of Lynn Haven and Family Services Agency of Bay County are partners this week in a food drive for needy families.

Donations are being collected from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day through Friday and can be dropped off at The Chambers in Lynn Haven, next to City Hall at 825 Ohio Ave. City Event Coordinators and Communication Specialists Tiah Romano and Lauren Villhauer will be on hand to pick up donations from people's cars, and if donations are dropped off after working hours someone at the nearby police department will grab them.

The collected goods will be distributed throughout the community by Family Services employees, who are looking for canned goods such as beans and potatoes and broth, and other items including clothing, medical equipment and supplies, infant items and personal hygiene items. The drive helps Family Services workers since the Christmas season is a busy one for them, given they hand out about 200 family kits this time each year, Family Services office manager Betty Gehrken said.

"This helps us finish orders or restock afterwards," Gehrken said. "We are just so honored."

There weren't many donations Monday but Romano said she hoped that would change as the week goes on. This is the first time Lynn Haven has been involved with the drive.

"I'm going to get some boxes and we're going to box it up," Romano said. "I think it's great. I really hope there's a lot of participation. I think it's nice to be able to give back to the community. ... We felt there was a need and wanted to provide."

The idea came about when Lynn Haven office staff mentioned the idea to City Manager Michael White, who then passed it along to Romano and Villhauer. White also has mentioned the drive during commission meetings.

Donations can be dropped off by anyone, even if you don't live in Lynn Haven. For more information, call 850-265-2121 and ask for Romano or Villhauer.

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