INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The Indian Rocks Volunteer Firemen’s Association and Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue are collecting donations to assist two area food panties this holiday season.
During the Indian Rocks holiday street parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, the firefighters ask residents to put donations of nonperishable food items, paper goods, pet food or toiletries by the curb and volunteers will pick up the donations and deliver them to Calvary Episcopal Church’s Beach Community Food Pantry and the Lifeline Food Pantry at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church.
“We feel that with the economy the way it is, that this is a unique opportunity to share our good fortune and spread some real holiday spirit with those around us who may need a helping hand,” said Marshall Eiss, vice president of the Indian Rocks Volunteers Firemen’s Association.
Harvey Brillat, co-chair of the Beach Community Food Bank at Calvary, said they have had a 40 percent increase over last year in the number of people needing assistance.
“They are allowed to receive one bag every two weeks and we try to give them nutritious, basic foods,” Brillat said.
The Lifeline Food Pantry has 20 people who work three days a week and the recipients are allowed to pick up about 30 pounds of food once a month. Ed Kilroy, director of the program, said the pantry served 60 families for Thanksgiving. The Lifeline Food Pantry is solely supported by the parishioners through food and cash donations.
The firefighters hope that the beach communities will share the joy of the season with others by donating to the food pantries.
Anyone who would like to make a donation, but will not be able to attend the parade should call Marshall Eiss at PSF&RD Station 27 at 595-1117, ext. 103.
