ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
There is no hiding from a challenged economy. The cost of living, including gas and food, increases in every state and district. Some people, perhaps well situated, feel the minor affects of such a recession when they are putting a few hundred dollars less a month away into savings, but for the most part, go about their American life as usual. For others, however, who live from pay check to pay check, or, worse yet, off of the government and charitable organizations, the change can be likened to increasing the pH level of the water of a lake. Environmental systems break down, and suddenly the inhabitants find their lives in grave danger.
Team Andrews members are looking to help stave off this danger to citizens in the National Capital Region by volunteering their time and donating non-perishable food items for the Andrews Food Drive running now through Aug. 28.
Second Lt. Sheriden Martinez, 316th Comptroller Squadron financial services officer, was one Andrews Airman who stepped up to the sustenance challenge and became the Andrews Food Drive coordinator. With her help, and the help of fellow volunteers, Team Andrews is making a difference in the fight against hunger in the greater Washington D.C. area.
"I thought it would be a great volunteer opportunity and threw my name into the mix," she said. "The Food Drive started out as First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative, since some of the Washington D.C. area food banks have had to close due to lack of donations."
The economic downturn has increased this demand for food donations.
"This will help and benefit all people and families in need throughout our area," Lieutenant Martinez said.
All of Team Andrews is sought for help in bringing food and other needed items to the mouths and homes of people in need. Donation boxes are located throughout the base at the commissary, Base Exchange, Home Traditions Store, West Fitness Center, the 316th Headquarters Building, 316th Security Forces Squadron and at Andrews medical facilities. Because of the convenience of drop-off points, Team Andrews can donate items with ease, said Lieutenant Martinez.
"While you are at the Commissary, it takes less than a minute and costs less than $1 to pick up a can of food. It takes even less time to grab a box of food that has been sitting on your pantry shelf for a while. This is such a little thing, but it has a much bigger impact," Lieutenant Martinez explained.
A wide variety of items can be donated to the food drive, including canned tuna, chicken, salmon, fruit, vegetables and soups. Boxes of juice, cereal, and hygienic and paper products are also accepted.
For more information, contact Lieutenant Martinez at Sheriden.Martinez@afncr.af.mil.