Local food drive nets more than 1,700 cans

By Staff
Staff Reports
Dozens of Franklin County families have received a helping hand during the holidays with their food and electric bills thanks to the success of the Partnership in Caring drive.
The food and energy drive, which was sponsored by Country Cottage Assisted Living in Russellville, began in November and culminated last month with a total of 1,757 cans collected from community donations.
The Cottage, which provided a 50-cent matching donation for the first 1,000 cans donated, was joined by CB&S Bank, Valley State Bank, Mid-South Home Health, Spry Memorial Chapel and Wiregrass Hospice in raising approximately $1,562 to help local families with their energy bills.
Betty Chesnut, managing director of Country Cottage, said the drive provided a way to help the local community during a slumping economy.
During its annual Holiday Open House Dec. 16, the Cottage gave out the utility and food donations to five area churches, which distributed the canned food items and money to families in need of assistance.
"With increasing utility costs, food prices, job shortages and the changing economy, we are afraid that a lot of elderly and disabled folks might need a little extra help this year," Chesnut said. "Many people will make hard decisions about how to keep their homes warm, buy their medications and feed their families. We wanted to help these people by supporting the community in every way possible.
"Thank you to everyone who joined us on the 19th to help support this wonderful cause."