This year’s Walk Against Drugs on October 23 will unite thousands in the fight against drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse – but it will also help to feed the hungry in South Orange County.
The 22nd Annual Walk Against Drugs and 3rd Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo will include a canned food drive to benefit the South Orange County Outreach Food Bank.
The annual walk, which highlights National Red Ribbon Week, begins at 8 a.m. with a rally at Mission Viejo High School Stadium, 25025 Chrisanta Drive. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the rally for South County Outreach Food Bank.
The need to feed the less fortunate in local communities is there.
“It is hard to believe that almost 655,000 pounds of food has been distributed so far this year to residents of South Orange County,” said food drive coordinator Marlene Ford. “Even more astonishing is that of the 39, 373 people served – 61% or 24,017 – are children.”
Ford said that even though the food bank has so far collected 603,500 pounds of food, it is still close to running out all of the time.
“This year we are asking participants to bring a can of food to help others,” said Tammy Descoteaux, chairperson of the Mission Viejo Community of Character Committee. “Together, we can make a difference if people participate in the food drive. It’s important to take all opportunities to serve those in need when we can.”
The South Orange County Outreach Food Bank will have collection containers at the event’s rally site from 7 a.m. 10 a.m.
For detailed information about the Walk Against Drugs and 3rd Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo that follows, visit the City’s website at www.cityofmissionviejo.org.
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