Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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“Considering the economic situation in the county, it’s not a surprise that we didn’t meet the goal,” said Times Editor Lisa Wall. “We do, however, hate that we were not able to collect more.”
Last year, the Thomasville Times Community Food Challenge generated slightly over 16,000 items, making it fall just under 36 percent short of its goal of 25,000 items. This drive had met its goal the three previous years.
The items received are being divided evenly between His Laboring Few Ministries, Fairgrove Family Resource Center, Cooperative Community Ministry and Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship. All of these faith-based organizations work actively to distribute food to the hungry and financially challenged people of the Thomasville area.
“We think the items we did collect will go a long way to help the families in need,” Wall said. “There are a lot of people hurting in this area. Even those who are not have most likely tightened their belts in such uncertain times. With more people on the receiving end and less able to give, it’s understandable that our food drive numbers would fail.”
Sarah Smith, general manager of the Thomasville Times, realized the same thing. She also noticed that a smaller goal than that of last year was still too high to be reached.
“I’m glad we were able to get as many items as we did, but maybe we set our goal too high,” Smith said, “Perhaps we should lower it for our drive next year.”
Donors to the Thomasville Times Community Food Challenge of 2007, which concluded last Friday, include: Goldie’s; Phyllis Floyd; Paul Mitchell, Attorney; First Bank - Liberty Square; Curves; Joe Bennett; Melvin Gentry; Thomasville Primary School; Low Sodium Connections; Jenna Kindley (Miss Thomasville); Thomasville Retired Post Office Workers; Thomasville Middle School Communities In Schools, Thomasville Middle School; Thomasville Community Service League; N2Dancn; Resa Raulston; Thomasville Primary pre-school program; Joan and Patrick White; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. - Theta Eta Zeta Chapter; Girl Scout Troops 431 and 703; Tom A. Finch Community YMCA; Fleshman-Pratt Education Center; Louise Davis; Rex Oil Co. and its employees; Marsha Jobe; Jackie Baity; Joan Crotts; Thomasville Lions Club; employees of Hilliard Fabricators; Brenda Mazula; Vogue Beauty Salon; Thomasville Retired School Personnel; Thomasville Church of God.; Russell Realty; the Frazier family; Angie and Nancy Brinkley; Drs. Smith Lanning and Bundy; Wanda and Mike Faircloth; Lawrence Lydon; Thomasville High School Band Boosters; Verda Hughes; Thomasville Pediatrics; Theresa and Milton Humphreys; Ann and Bon Batten; Isabel, Olivia and Zak Koontz; the City of Thomasville staff; Thomasville City Council; Thomasville High School National Honor Society; Hamster’s Deli; and St. John AME Zion Church.
“We appreciate the donations from everyone who participated,” Wall said. “Without their donations, there would be a lot of people around here who wouldn’t have hot meals to eat.”
Wall reiterated that just because the drive has ended doesn’t mean people can’t donate food at the newspaper’s office.
“Giving isn’t just limited to the holiday season,” she said. “If anyone is still interested in helping, we will accept donations at any time.”
Meanwhile, Wall and the staff at Thomasville Times are looking forward to the next such challenge.
“Next year, we’ll try it again and hopefully meet the goal,” Wall said. “Hopefully, the economic situation will improve and we’ll meet it next year and others.”
Staff Writer Kevin Reid can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 230, or at reid@tvilletimes.com.