MARION COUNTY-

Three Marion County agencies received more than 7,000 pounds of food to re-stock their shelves for the holiday season.
Even though the food drive was about two weeks ago, donations are still being accepted.

"It's always something we need. The need never goes away," said Thomas Curtis who is the Warehouse Manager at Interfaith Emergency Services.

The need of food in order to feed the homeless in Marion County.

"If you look around here you see a lot of boxes, but a lot of these boxes don't have food in them. Most of them are empty. A lot of the others have clothing in them. So there is really not much food here right now," said Curtis.

Interfaith Emergency Services is an agency that feeds about 50 to 60 families a day.

"You need to keep in mind that people eat every day of the year and our really critical time is right after Christmas. February and March is usually when have the most need," said Curtis.

That's why for the first time, the city of Ocala, Marion County officials and the Sheriff's Office joined forces to raise food for three local charities. Interfaith Emergency Services, Brothers Keeper and the Salvation Army.
 

"There are some people that just can't put the simple things like a food product or even a balanced meal on the table for their families throughout the year and that's what makes this so important. At least by doing this and providing this to those three agencies, there is not a family we hope in Marion County that will go hungry," said Major Terry Bovaird with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Bovaird said they raised about 8,000 pounds of food and about $800 in cash donations, but Bovaird said they are still hoping for more.

"We are extending it through the end of the month and we are hoping to raise more. We are hoping the public continues to give, which we know they will," said Bovaird.

You can still donate at any constitutional office or city and county buildings.
Last week Chair Commssion Kathy Bryant announed that the food drive will be an annual event. Making this the first.

"That's very important to know that we have something to rely on. It gives you a lot of peace of mind that somebody is out there trying and not wondering oh my goodness what are we going to do tomorrow," said Curtis.

Interfaith is always in need of food, hygiene products and volunteers.