Governor Rell Launches 26^TH Annual Holiday

‘Care & Share’ Drive to Support Food Pantries

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the kickoff of the 26^TH annual Governor’s Care and Share Holiday Drive, a collection of cash and non-perishable food to benefit Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank.

            All state employees are encouraged to participate in the campaign. Last year Care & Share drive collected more than 6 tons of food for the state’s two major food distribution agencies. Additionally, state employees also contributed $11,000 in cash to help purchase food.

            “Each year Connecticut state employees have graciously opened their hearts to helping families in need put food on the table,” Governor Rell said. “Their generosity makes a difference in our communities and to the families struggling to make ends meet in this economy, including those who have never before reached out for help.”

            The Care & Share campaign will run from November 12 through December 11. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off on December 11 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Oak Street and Capitol Avenue parking lot. Financial donations will be accepted through the Care & Share virtual food drive link that will be posted on every state agency’s Web site.  

Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank estimate that a $1 donation can provide three meals to one adult and a $50 donation can feed 150 children a holiday meal.

“Many of our state employees, who are in the front lines of serving the public, see firsthand the struggles that many of our friends, families and neighbors are facing.  That’s why we greatly appreciate the leadership of the state employees and Governor Rell in the fight against hunger,” Connecticut Food Bank Executive Director Nancy L. Carrington said. “With their continued support, we have been able to feed hundreds of thousands of men, women and children served by our network of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters over the past 25 years.”

 “Need for emergency food assistance has jumped to an all-time high and many individuals who never thought they would be faced with this challenge are now turning to us for help. At the same time many past donors are facing the same struggle and are unable to give as generously. In the past, state employees have been very generous with their gifts to this effort,” Foodshare President and CEO Gloria McAdam said.

            This year’s Care & Share campaign will build on the success of the Governor’s “Day of Caring and Compassion,” in which 28 tons of food for Food Share and the Connecticut Food Bank were collected on November 7 at 15 fire departments around the state.