Local Food Drive hosted by WDEF News 12 and Lee Company
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A special community event is taking place this Friday at Lee Company on Shallowford Road in Chattanooga.
News 12 and Lee Company are partnering to host a holiday food drive, working to ensure no family goes without a meal this Thanksgiving.
News 12 spoke with company leaders about the history of the drive and why it continues to grow each year.
Nick Shanks, Home Services Manager for Chattanooga, shared the heart behind the effort.
He said, “The time for Thanksgiving is not just about being thankful for what we have but taking advantage of the blessings that we have to give to those around us. So don’t hold back. Give to the community this holiday season.”
Shanks also explained the employee initiative driving the event.
“So, Vans4Cans is our annual employee led food drive initiative. We take that advantage, that opportunity we have to try and get donations to contribute to the efforts of our local community food banks.”
The project began small, but it has grown steadily over the years.
Special Projects Account Representative Nathan Ramin said, “And as the company found out that we were doing this, it has now grown into a company wide effort. The donations have grown. The impact has grown, and the company wide effort has grown as something that we all get behind and really enjoy this time of year.”
The drive will accept nonperishable foods including peanut butter, rice and beans, canned meats, and pasta.
Shanks added that their partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank ensures donations reach the families who need them most.
“We partner with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and they are very much involved with the community and know exactly where each and every one of our donations can do the most good. And for people who aren’t able to donate physical goods, they are also a great opportunity to utilize any funds that are raised.”
Ramin encouraged families facing food insecurity to visit the food bank after the drive, sharing his own personal experience.
“I came from a divorced family where we didn’t have a lot of food, so just put your pride aside, and there’s plenty of food to go around.”
The food drive will take place this Friday, November twenty first.
Community members are invited to stop by, drop off their nonperishable items, and Lee Company will take care of the rest.
Friday, Nov. 21
7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Lee Company
7308 Shallowford Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421
