Iowa Hospice to Hold Third Annual Iowa State vs. University of Iowa Food Drive

JOHNSTON, Iowa, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa Hospice has announced it will host its third annual statewide Iowa State vs. University of Iowa Food Drive on Sept. 9, 2011.

All 14 Iowa Hospice locations throughout the state will cheer on their local communities and encourage residents to donate non-perishable food items at their local HyVee in Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, Boone, Burlington, Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Charles City, Dubuque, Estherville, Ft. Dodge, Iowa City, Iowa Falls, Keokuk, Marshalltown, Muscatine, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Panora, Perry, Sheldon, Shenandoah, Urbandale and West Des Moines.

All proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank of Iowa or to local community food banks.

Non-perishable food items in the highest demand include: cans of vegetables, fruit, chicken, tuna fish and soup; boxes of macaroni and cheese, crackers, rice, noodles and Jello; and fruit juice, coffee and tea.

"Those making donations will select the team they will cheer for during the much-anticipated Iowa State vs. University of Iowa football game," Monica Hayes, Iowa Hospice director of admissions, said. "The rivalry across the state will excite people and encourage them to make donations to push 'their' team ahead of the other!"

The winner of the food drive will be announced and a check and food donations presented to the Food Bank of Iowa at Iowa Hospice's tent, located southwest of Iowa State's James H. Hilton Coliseum, during the Iowa State vs. University of Iowa football game on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011.

"Iowa Hospice employees spend their days sharing their servants' hearts with patients and families as these patients make the most of each day after being diagnosed with a terminal illness," Hayes said. "According to the Food Bank of Iowa, one in six Iowa children do not have enough to eat, and our staff takes great pride in this annual event through which they are able to extend their service into their local communities."

Last year, 17 communities throughout the state gathered more than 17,000 food items in one day, and the drive had the same outcome as the big game. The Iowa Hawkeye fans donated more food in most of the locations and were the statewide winners overall.

About Iowa Hospice

Iowa Hospice is dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care for the terminally ill and ongoing support for their loved ones. The company's mission is to bring love, joy and peace into the homes of those suffering from a life-limiting or terminal illness. For additional information about Iowa Hospice, please contact 1-800-HOSPICE (467-7423).

About Harden Healthcare

Based in Austin, Texas, Harden Healthcare is a leading senior healthcare services provider. With services including home health, hospice care, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, Harden serves the entire post-acute continuum of care. The company strives to provide the best care for its patients and a sense of pride and purpose for its associates. Today, Harden's family of companies serves almost 40,000 patients a day in 14 states.

Contact: Meredith Michelson or Meg Meo
(512) 472-9599
[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Iowa Hospice