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PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Democratic Party will collect non-perishable foods and hygiene items to help stock the pantry at Emerson Elementary School from 9 a.m.-noon May 13 at the school, 1605 36th St.
The school has bus lanes, allowing donors to pull off 36th Street and park near the school where the committee will unload donations from vehicles.
West Virginia ranks second in the nation for high rates of food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The child food insecurity rate in Wood County is 19.3%, which translates to 3,460 kids in Wood County going hungry.
The Executive Committee is asking the community to help by donating canned goods such as tuna, chicken and other protein, fruits, vegetables, beans, cereal, applesauce, granola bars, microwaveable shelf-stable meals, soups and peanut butter and jelly. Students also are in need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and menstrual products.
"A few years ago, the educator's labor situation really opened the eyes of many Wood County citizens regarding food insecurity for our area students. Luckily, we have a lot of great teachers in Wood County who understand that caring for students sometimes extends beyond the classroom," said Jeff Fox, chair of the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee. "Emerson Elementary School is building up its pantry to help those students in need and we would love to help. We are also interested in holding drives at other Wood County schools as well."
For more information call or text 304-236-1100 or email contact@wcwvdems.com.