Kiwanians spring forward with annual food drive

As the island grows emptier, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key hopes the shelves of All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota will get fuller.

The group is holding its third annual Spring Food Drive through May 1 in an effort to collect unused, nonperishable food items from seasonal residents before they leave town. Pet supplies and cleaning items are also accepted.

“A lot of times you get people that are either part-time residents who are getting ready to leave, and they have a lot of food they want to get rid of,” said Kiwanis Club member Tom Michel, who will handle collection efforts. “With the food drive, that food will go to All Faiths Food Bank, which is a very worthy organization.”
Last year’s food drive generated 1,300 pounds of food, and Kiwanians hope that this year’s effort will yield a similar amount.

Kiwanis Club President Bob Gault said that most major condominiums are participating in the drive by placing 24-by-18.5-inch collection boxes in common areas. Additionally, residents can bring items to Spike ’N’ Tees restaurant at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, the Longboat Observer office, Publix, Town Hall or the Longboat Key police department (see box for a complete list).

According to All Faiths’ website, allfaithsfoodbank.org, the organization distributes food to more than 7,100 people weekly in Sarasota and DeSoto counties with the help of more than 160 partner agencies.

Gault said that the effort is an important one in a time of high unemployment and slow economic growth.

“There are a lot of people in this economic situation who are hurting right now, especially the kids,” Gault said. “As Kiwanians, we’re just trying to help out.”

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]

Participating properties
The Kiwanis Club continues to seek additional properties to participate in the Spring Food Drive. For information, contact Bob Gault at 387-8458 or John Wild at 383-4253. Collection is currently taking place at the following locations:

• Castillian
• Club Longboat
• The Islander Club
• Longboat Arms
• Longboat Key Police Station
• Longboat Key Town Hall
• Longboat Observer
• Portobello
• Promenade
• Publix
• Seaplace
• Spike ’N’ Tees
• Tiffany Plaza
• Windward Bay