Marion Brunken, Executive Director of Volunteer Alexandria, and Jenn Ayers, Executive Director of ALIVE!, celebrate reaching the goal of collecting more than 33,500 pounds of canned goods and cooking oil during the month of July
During July 2023, Volunteer Alexandria partnered with ALIVE! For a city-wide food drive. With 38 different collection locations throughout the city, the drive was able to collect more than 33,500 pounds over the course of the month. All of the items collected were donated to ALIVE!’s food program to directly benefit members of the Alexandria community in need of food assistance.
“We … exceeded our goal by over 3,000 pounds for our first community food drive and thank everyone who was able to help in some way. It was an easy decision to host it again in 2024,” said Marion Brunken, Executive Director, Volunteer Alexandria.
Many local organizations hosted a food drive collection box and encouraged their patrons to donate items.
Lisa Groover with McEnearney Associates stated, “I was honored to host a food drive in Old Town Village for Volunteer Alexandria in support of ALIVE! Living in a neighborhood that truly values the concept of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” and working for a company that is committed to supporting the community we call home means the world to me.”
Without the support of local businesses like McEnearney Associates and Ting Internet, the food drive would not have been nearly as successful as it was.
“At Ting, we firmly believe in the power of giving back. We’re thrilled to support this year’s food drive. It’s been truly remarkable to see the community come together to stock the warehouse with food, “says Nicole McNally, Ting Internet.
The food collected through this food drive will support thousands of families in our local community and ensure that ALIVE! has the resources to continue being a safety net for neighbors in need. VolALX mobilized volunteers to assist with this initiative and is extremely grateful for everyone who gave their time to make this a success.
“Thank you, Volunteer Alexandria, for hosting this food drive for us and the community,” Jenn Ayers, ALIVE! Executive Director, “Donations like the ones we’ve received go a long way to keeping our costs down and provide a healthy variety of food to people who need help.”
Though the food drive was a success, the need for food assistance doesn't end. ALIVE! Provides basic groceries to roughly 12,000 to 15,000 people each month and seeks contributions throughout the year to help fight poverty and hunger throughout the City of Alexandria.
Food donations are welcome at the ALIVE! Food Warehouse (801 South Payne St) Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9 am – 4 pm; Thursdays 9 am – 7 pm; Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm