Laborers 110 food drive raises over $12,000 for Operation Food Search

By SHERI GASSAWAY

Correspondent

South St. Louis County – Laborers Local 110 members and their families helped raise more than $12,000 to feed the hungry in their communities during the union’s annual picnic and barbecue Sept. 30 at Grant’s Farm.

Members brought canned goods and non-perishable items to the event to kick off the Eastern Missouri Laborers District Council’s seventh annual food drive for Operation Food Search, which involves Laborers Locals throughout eastern Missouri.

“It was a fantastic day, and we thank everyone who came out and donated food or money,” said Local 110 Business Manager Don Willey. “We’re privileged to have such a selfless membership.”

Judy Coyman, director of community relations for Operation Food Search, said Local 110 and its members donated 5,105 pounds of food valued at $8,627 – or enough to feed 1,276 people for one day. Additionally, members donated $1,774 in cash during the event, and Local 110 matched the amount.

“It’s an outstanding program and just gets better every year,” Coyman said. “We’re so appreciative of Laborers’ efforts to support us in our mission of feeding the hungry in our communities.”

Each month, Operation Food Search distributes more than $3 million in food and household items to 330 community partners in 31 Missouri and Illinois counties and the City of St. Louis. Those agencies in turn feed more than 200,000 people every month. About one-third of the recipients are children.

For more information about the organization, visit operationfoodsearch.org.