2013 CAN-A-THON FACT SHEET
EVENT: 15th Annual United Way of Marshall County/2-1-1 Holiday Can-a-thon held in partnership with WAFF-48
15TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CAN-A-THON COMING IN DECEMBER
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala….United Way of Marshall County and 2-1-1/First Call for Help have once again partnered with WAFF-48 to conduct the 15th Annual Holiday Can-a-thon in Marshall County. This year’s Can-a-thon is scheduled for Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Walmart locations in Arab, Boaz and Guntersville. In addition to dropping off canned goods at the Walmart sites, there are a few new activities planned for some of the Can-a-thon locations this year. At the Guntersville Walmart, live entertainment will be provided for a few hours by Slick Nickel. At the Arab Walmart, free blood pressure checks will be offered by North Alabama Medical Reserve Corp of Huntsville.
As the tough economy continues and the holidays draw near, the need for food is greater than ever. In year’s past, a goal has always been set in terms of the total number of cans collected. “This year, we decided not to focus so much on a numeric goal. Our hope is that everyone will give what they can to help make sure that no one in Marshall County goes hungry. That’s our goal with the Can-a-thon,” commented 2-1-1 Resource Specialist, Pat Potts. “If everyone gives just one can or every business donates just 10 cans, it would go such a long way. Small donations by many people will make a big difference in helping restock area food pantries.”
When considering the need in Marshall County, it is important to note a few statistics. In 2013, there have been approximately 4,780 food assistance cases reported totaling $248,216. Based on these numbers, that means an average of 15 families or individuals is helped each day with food in Marshall County. These statistics according to Charity Tracker, a data-entry web application for shared case management amongst nonprofit agencies.
Several area organizations, businesses, churches and schools have already started food collections to aid in the effort. Community members that would like to drop off nonperishable items prior to December 5 can bring their donations to the following locations:
- First Cash Express – Albertville
- Gilbert & Baugh Ford – Albertville
- Mt. Vernon Baptist Church – Boaz (call ahead to schedule drop off)
- Salvation Army – Guntersville location
- Walmart – Arab, Boaz and Guntersville locations
- United Way office – Guntersville
The list of most needed items includes: canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham, spam, stew), canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned juices, peanut butter (plastic jars only), cereal, canned soup, dried soup mixes, dried beans, boxed pastas and rice. All food collected during this event is distributed through The Salvation Army, Tennessee Valley Family Services/Ogden House Shelter, CASA, Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Marshall County Christian Services (Second Chance and TESA) and supports needy families and individuals in Marshall County.
In addition to food and monetary donations, United Way and 2-1-1 are also asking individuals and groups to volunteer their time and energy to help collect food donations at the Arab, Boaz and Guntersville Walmart locations on December 5. You can volunteer an hour, a few hours or a half a day to make a difference in our community.
For more information or if you would like to participate in this year’s Can-A-Thon, please contact Pat Potts at (256) 582-0506 or patp@uwayme.com.
For more than 40 years, United Way of Marshall County has helped enrich community life by addressing critical issues. Volunteers and donors research the needs of the community and develop strategies for assisting people who need it most, including children, families, and individuals. United Way of Marshall County provides funding for 22 partner agencies and programs that ensure the efficient use of donor dollars. For more information, please visit our website at www.uwaymcal.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedwayofmarshallcounty.