Ranch resident spearheads food drive

With the holidays approaching, Edgewater resident Don O’Leary has resurrected his mission to provide food for families in need.

For the second year in a row, the retired New York City firefighter has orchestrated a food drive for the Lakewood Ranch community and is even picking up donations neighborhood by neighborhood.

“(The Food Bank) needs stuff,” O’Leary said. “They have so many people coming in for food. People are hurting. Everybody can spare a can of soup.”

To date, O’Leary has collected 1,500 pounds of food and about $360, he said.

Collections will be ongoing with pickups in various Lakewood Ranch communities through Christmas. From 10 a.m. to noon this Sunday, for example, O’Leary will be picking up donations from Country Club residents. Individuals wishing to donate should drop their non-perishable food items at the entrance to their driveway by the curb.

Residents also can stop by any Lakewood Ranch Publix or school locations as well as Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s headquarters to deliver items. Several churches also are participating.

For more information, contact O’Leary, 907-1227 or 724-1304, or Dick Moran, 907-6999.