Arc Thrift Stores Announces 10th Annual 'Feed Colorado' Food Drive

Now through April 31st non-perishable food items accepted at 97 locations and through household pick-up.

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Apr 01, 2010, 11:54 ET

DENVER, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Arc Thrift Stores has kicked off the 10th annual "Feed Colorado" food drive. Non-perishable food items such as rice, beans, pasta, peanut butter, canned goods (veggies and fruit), soup, cereal and juice are critical to the more than 15% of households in Colorado that are food insecure.

Last year Arc Thrift Stores donated 112 tons of food to Volunteers of America's (VOA) City Harvest Food Bank. VOA then distributes the food to over 75 local food banks and shelters. "This donation is the single largest donation of food received by Volunteers of America and a great example of one non-profit helping another," said Lloyd Lewis, President/CEO of Arc Thrift Stores.

The food drive is spearheaded by Arc Thrift Store's call center employees. As they make their usual calls for donations of clothing and household items, they remind donors that they can also donate food. With this simple suggestion, over 60,000 households participated in the drive in 2009.

Several local companies are also involved this year. Denver Metro Big O Tires dealers are offering a $10 off any service, free flat repair and free tire rotation coupons by dropping off food at any of their locations. Upon delivery of an order and pick-up of a food donation, Papa John's Pizza is offering free garlic parmesan breadsticks with the next order of a large or X-large pizza. Steve Casey's Four Seasons RV is offering a free 23-point inspection, 15% off on part purchases of $500 or less and labor rates discounted $30 per hour upon a donation at their locations. Belfor Restoration, Colorado Capital, 103.5 The FOX and FOX News are other organizations lending a helping hand.

Please visit http://www.ArcFeedColorado.com to find the nearest drop off location or call (303) 238-5263 (JANE) for a free pick-up.

About Arc Thrift Stores: Arc Thrift Stores http://www.arcthrift.org operates 19 thrift stores throughout Colorado and provides funding to Arc Chapters, which in turn provide advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Arc Thrift Stores is one of the largest employers of individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Colorado.

About VOA: Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. In Colorado, the Volunteers of America administers 30 different human service programs in addition to subsidized housing and health care. The Volunteers of America Colorado Branch helped over 196,000 individuals during 2006 including the frail elderly, at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and homeless individuals and families. To learn more about the Volunteers of America, visit www.voacolorado.org.