 PRESS RELEASE
VIRGINIA CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS COLLECT
MORE THAN 5 TONS OF FOOD DURING MONTH LONG DRIVE
(Virginia Beach, VA- March 10, 1999) Generous Virginians donated 11,089
pounds of food at the offices of dozens of Constitutioanl Officers
during a statewide drive that concluded February 12. All the canned and
other non-perishable items were taken to regional foodbanks and other feeding
agencies for distribution to the hungry. The drive was coordinated by VALECO,
the Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers.
"Help VALECO Fight Hunger in Virginia" ran from January 18-February
12. Participants included directly elected Clerks of the Circuit Court,
Commissioners of the Revenue, Commonwealth's Attorneys, Sheriffs and Treasurers
in a host of Virginia cities, counties and towns. Food was donated by the
general public and employees of the various offices.
The officers of Northampton County collected the most food, a total of
1,926 pounds. Pulaski County's were close behind with 1,910. Accomac's received
917 pounds. "We are thrilled by the participation of our officers and
the public," says Kenneth Arnold, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Northampton
County and President of VALECO. "This was the first time we held this
drive, and we intend to do it again in 2000 because of how well it was received."
Food Bank officials welcomed the assistance. "We greatly appreciate
the efforts of the Constitutional Officers who participated," says
Phil Grasty, President of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. "Allowing
their offices to be used as drop off points was a great idea and created
a partnership that I hope will continue for a long time to benefit the thousands
of Virginians in need of food every day."
To contact VALECO representatives or a foodbank that received a donation,
please call Dan Cawley at (757) 424-2738.
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