News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Media Contact:           Beth Gianforcaro    
November 1, 2006                                                                                                      614-352-6472

Councilman Ron Stake, Wendy’s Restaurant Launch Thanksgiving “Food Raiser”
to Benefit Reynoldsburg’s Helping Hands Pantry
Saturday, November 18, 2006, 9 to 11 a.m.

REYNOLDSBURG, OH – Ron Stake, Reynoldsburg City Councilman, the local Wendy’s restaurant and community volunteers have teamed up to hold a Thanksgiving “Food Raiser” to benefit the local Helping Hands food pantry, on Saturday, November 18, 2006, from 9-11 a.m.

Text Box: Items Needed for Reynoldsburg Helping Hands?Suggested Items for “Food Raiser”??Most Needed items (in bold)?ü Fish, canned: salmon, tuna?ü Chicken, canned; chicken & noodles?ü Fruits, canned ?ü Meals, boxed: dinners, helper & pasta meals ?ü Meats, canned: beef stew, chili, hash, ham ?ü Pasta, canned: Beefaroni, ravioli, SpaghettiOs ?ü Snack/breakfast items: fruit snacks, granola bars, ?ü Staples: flour, spices (basic), sugar, vegetable oil ??Other Food Items?ü Baby food and formula: Enfamil, Prosobee brands ?ü Beverages: hot chocolate, coffee, fruit juices, tea ?ü Beans, canned: kidney, navy, pinto, pork & beans?ü Cereals: hot and cold; cereal bars?ü Mixes: Jello, muffin, pancake, cakes, cookies, icing ?ü Pasta: macaroni, noodles, spaghetti ?ü Tomato products: canned, sauce, paste ?ü Potatoes, Instant; Hash?ü Pudding, Instant ?ü Rice: instant, dinners ?ü Snack items: cookies, crackers, PopTarts ?ü Soup, canned and boxed ?ü Stuffing ?ü Syrup ?ü Vegetables, canned ?ü Condiments: Cooking oil, catsup, mustard, mayo??Personal Care Items?ü Combs ?ü Deodorant ?ü Hygiene products, feminine ?ü Razors, disposable ?ü Shampoo ?ü Soap bars and body wash ?ü Toothbrushes and toothpaste ?ü Toilet paper and tissues??Household?ü Laundry & dish detergent?ü Paper towels / napkins??Unacceptable Items?ü Home-canned or home-made goods ?ü Opened, damaged or expired items ?ü Fresh or perishable items ???

“In light of the upcoming holidays and of the recent robbery of the Helping Hands food pantry, this is the time we can really pitch in to help,” said Stake noting the local pantry assists nearly 2,000 people annually.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Helping Hands Thanksgiving Food Raiser are encouraged to drive through the Wendy’s restaurant parking lot, 6781 E. Main Street, with food donations to benefit those in need during this holiday season.  Helping Hands, provides emergency food services to those who live in the Reynoldsburg school district.

Stake, a mayoral candidate, approached the management from the local Wendy’s restaurant about the effort when his campaign staff volunteered to work on a effort to support the Helping Hands.  “I am proud of my campaign staff and the spirit of volunteerism in Reynoldsburg.  So many people are active in our community and they are the first to lend a helping hand,” Stake added.  He anticipates others in the community will volunteer for the effort.  Those interested in volunteering for the Food Raiser effort at encouraged to contact Ron Stake at ronstake@aol.com .

All money collected, in lieu of food, goes directly to Helping Hands to purchase needed items not collected.  Monetary donations to Reynoldburg Helping Hands are tax deductible since they are classified as a 501-C-2 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

Additional Resources:

Helping Hands Chairperson:  614-861-5350