COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – With the recent surge in the number of people seeking help from area food pantries, the Branch County Association of Realtors created a virtual food drive asking members to donate money rather than canned goods to lessen the risk of spreading COVID-19.
BCAR President Brian George said, “With so many people out of work and kids home from school, the need is urgent.”
Association member Steve Franks of State Farm Insurance shared on Facebook that he would match donations up to $1,000.
Contributions poured in from association members and others in the community who had heard about the event.
Over $5,100 was raised for Branch County food pantries. The South Michigan Food Bank offered an additional 10 percent match bringing the total value to over $5,600.
The money was distributed to the Branch Area Food Pantry in Coldwater, the Sonshine Food Pantry in Quincy, the Bronson Food Pantry and Union City Methodist Church’s Outreach Program.
Cheryl Proctor from the Union City Outreach Committee said, “We normally help about 125 families, but that number has risen to over 150. This donation came at a perfect time.”
