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Chasco Fiesta Adding Food Drive For '09

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: March 18, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - During the recession and high unemployment, more Pasco people than ever have been struggling just to put food on the table.

So Chasco Fiesta and United Way of Pasco County are teaming up on the first Stock the Shelves food drive during the entire run of the festival, March 19 - March 29.

Chasco visitors can drop off canned goods or other nonperishable foods at a collection tent next to the Fiesta's information booth at Sims Park.

The donations will benefit 23 nonprofit food pantries that assist needy residents.

"We are hoping that people attending Chasco will get the message to bring a canned good when they attend any of the Chasco events," Carol Spicer, resource development director for the United Way, said in a press release.

United Way's 2-1-1 Helpline has registered 40 percent more phone calls in recent months, Spicer reports.

Many callers to the 2-1-1 hotline have been worried about being able to feed their families.

The Salvation Army will take responsibility of sorting and distributing the donated food at the end of Chasco Fiesta.

Food drive organizers say the event reflects Chasco Fiesta's motto of "Legacy of Giving," as well as the United Way's mission to "Advance the Common Good."

For information about the food drive, go online to http://chascofiesta.com.

Or send an e-mail to Spicer at cspicer@unitedwaypasco.org.

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