SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Eng. Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, took part in its third annual "Never Daunted Food Drive" in support of the Hawaii Food Bank, an organization that helps feed Hawaii families or "ohana" and ensures no one goes hungry during the holiday season.
This year, after all donations had been received, the battalion collected approximately double the amount of food collected in 2011. The 13,867 total food items weighed more than 6,455 pounds to continue the fight against hunger.
This year's donation will provide food for 5,117 meals, valued more than $2.000. The 84th Eng. Bn. commander, Lt. Col. Aaron Reisinger, was shocked at the turn out of the food drive.
"That is huge!" he exclaimed. "Great job all around! What a show of support!"
The 561st Eng. Company, 84th Eng. Bn., led the food drive for the third year in a row, donating the most food and totaling 5,766 items. The company turned in more than 50 cases of Ramen Noodles, 70 cases of Vienna Sausages, and more than 20 cases of canned vegetables as a part of their donation.
"The company stressed the importance of helping in a time of need," said Capt. Victor Gronenthal, the 561st Eng. Co. commander. "The company strived to meet their goal of being the top donator in the 84th Eng. Bn. for three consecutive years by employing creative ways of collecting donations. Pfc. Andrew Minor, recruited help from his family back in the mainland by collecting over $1,000 used to buy cans."
This year's donation will certainly help Hawaii ohana during the holiday season, as this will relieve some financial burden, provide hearty meals, and give the gift of hope.
The Hawaii Food Bank depends on the charitable donations from the community to continue to feed 14 percent of Hawaii's population. This includes thousands of children, the elderly, and low income families suffering through financial hardship and struggling to keep food on the table. As this number continues to climb each year, it's important for the Hawaii Food Bank to continue to receive contributions, and raise awareness of Hawaii's high poverty rate that not only affects Hawaii, but American lives everywhere.
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