DELAND -- Volusia County Government employees gave the Ocean Center food drive a jump start this month, compiling more than 4,100 items, said Vickie Pleus, a county spokeswoman.
That effort was amplified Sunday, Feb. 22, by guests of the Ocean Center grand opening who more than doubled those contributions, bringing the food drive total to 8,740 items.
“We are overwhelmed with the community’s generous response to the Ocean Center food drive,” Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno said. “We should all be proud we live in a community where neighbors care about neighbors. That truth was reinforced with these amazing food drive results. Thank you to all who contributed.”
Area food banks that will receive the donations are three United Way agencies (Neighborhood Center in DeLand, Halifax Urban Ministries in Daytona Beach and the Jewish Federation in Ormond Beach), the Community Life Center in southwest Volusia County and Gifts of Love in southeast Volusia County.
In addition to the food drive, Ocean Center grand opening sponsors presented a $25,000 check to United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties Campaign Chair Susan Caplan for the agency’s annual fundraising campaign. The donation was part of the more than $400,000 contributed by 44 businesses and community partners who supported the grand opening events.