NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News city leaders and residents came together Monday morning to give back to the community in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The 6th Annual Day of Service Food Drive kicked off at 9 a.m. at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Dozens of volunteers were set up to collect food until 1 p.m.
"This is a very special day," said Otis Moore, who is a member of the Shore Patrol Neighborhood Watch. "A man that fought for freedom and rights for everybody. So, I think it’s a great opportunity to do something.”
Moore dropped off a trunk full of food he and his neighbors collected for the Annual Day of Service Food Drive at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
"We try to give back," he said. "You know Shore Patrol Neighborhood Watch, we try to be a help in some type of form or fashion.”
Newport News Mayor McKinley Price hosted the event in an effort to restock the shelves with non-perishable food items.
“For some people, the Foodbank is their only source of food, especially some of our students,” Mayor Price said.
This comes after the Foodbank saw an 18% decrease in donations at a crucial time, when the community has been in need of food because of the pandemic.
"It’s really wonderful that the community can step in and literally lend a helping hand," said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. "We’re seeing cars drive through and drop off loads of food and it just means that everybody in the community really cares about each other in a difficult time.”
Luria was among many leaders of the community from federal, state, and local levels who joined the mayor for the drive.
“Thank you to Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, Sheriff Gabe Morgan, and other federal, state, and local leaders for making the MLK Day of Service Food Drive an annual tradition to help our neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity, and to also honor and celebrate Dr. King’s commitment to public service,” said Karen Joyner, CEO of the Foodbank.
“Going into its sixth year, this food drive is a great way to kick off 2022 and help the thousands of individuals who are faced with hardships and obstacles they never expected. Unfortunately, food often takes the back burner. Events like this raise our neighbors up and give them hope for a healthier future," Joyner added.
For more information on where to donate, click here.