Keith Luna made sure he was getting a Share A Christmas Dinner food box this year – even if he had to pick it up on a bicycle.
Luna’s bike was certainly attention grabbing among all the cars lined up at the Civic Center on Tuesday for Share distribution day.
“I’m picking this up for my sister, Darlene Duggin,” said Luna, who depends on the bicycle as regular transportation. “I ride it all the time, even in the rain.”
Luna said towing the heavy Share box wasn’t a problem because he has carried up to 300 pounds in his trailer before. He has a motor that drives the back wheel when he goes up steep hills.
Geneva Locke was a Share box recipient who picked up her food in a more common fashion – by mini van.
“I cook a big meal on Christmas morning and this really helps out,” said Locke, who has received a Share box before.
Warren County High School students in the Interact Club are a crucial part of the distribution. They pack the food boxes then carry them from the assembly line to vehicles.
“I know some people can’t afford to feed their families so this is a good thing to do,” said WCHS junior Nico Reyes.
There were 625 people who received food boxes this year. The Department of Human Services furnishes the Southern Standard of a list of families who are most in need.
At a cost of $32 a box, it will take $20,000 to fund this year’s food distribution. As of yesterday, the Standard had received $18,987 in donations.
To help make up the $1,013 difference, donations can be mailed to Southern Standard, Attn: Share, P.O. Box 150, McMinnville, 37111. Donations can also be dropped by the newspaper office.