The Father Fred Frostbite food drive brings in an abundance of food and money donations.
TRAVERSE CITY -- The economy may be down but that was not the case with food and cash donations for the annual Father Fred food drive.
"We've had a record year this year. As you can see in the background we have two semi tractor trailer vans that are completely filled with food and now we're working on another truck," says Father Fred director of development, David Abeel.
Three trucks full of donated food for northern Michigan families in need, all because of the Father Fred Frostbite food drive.
Abeel says despite the ailing economy, the ten day long drive brought in more than just food...
"We also received over 27-thousand dollars in cash donations as well, so that's just really terrific because we're going to be very flushed with food for awhile but as we begin to distribute that to hungry families, we'll be out purchasing bulk purchases and that's where the cash really comes in handy," says Abeel.
Besides the abundance of food and money, local volunteers were also a major part of the success.
"We've had a great turnout, Knights of Columbus, The Kiwanis Club, the Young Professionals...We've had a variety of office staff come and they'll put a two or four hour shift in so it's encouraging," says Abeel.
Encouraging, especially during a time when more and more individuals and families are turning to Father Fred for help.
"We see a lot of families at the foundation asking for assistance who are just in shock. They've never been in a situation where they're unemployed so it's just encouraging and just makes you feel so great to see the community response," says Abeel.
This response is what abeel says helps to continue the mission of the foundation.
"It's that one time of year when the community can really come out and show its love for the Father Fred Foundation what he was all about trying to support families in crisis," says Abeel.
The Father Fred Foundation's goal was 35-thousand dollars in cash during the drive, and they surpassed that goal with close to 35-thousand 500 dollars.
They also filled 53-pallets of food this year, which is six more pallets than last year.
