Throughout the free concert series during the 2019 Bicentennial year for the town of Lebanon, many were able to participate in the Lebanon Gives Back initiative and well over 3,000 non-perishable food times were collected.
Event goers were given the opportunity to bring non-perishable food items to collection bins located at the entrance of each concert. These were then collected and items were provided to the food pantry at the Elk Garden School Community Ministries.
In total, 3,138 items were collected with a dollar value of over $2,800 and also $212 was given in cash donations.
Rev. Brooke Atchley, Director of Clinch Mountain District Community Ministry & Elk Garden School Community Ministries thanked the town of Lebanon for hosting the Give Back events and expressed their appreciation to the town and all that were able to participate.
Atchley further stated, “The food need in our community is great.” They see close to 200 families a month and serve over 500 different families a year. Atchley explained that, “More than the food, folks know that their community cares about them and have a place to come and be part of that community.”
Town of Lebanon Mayor Tony Dodi said, “On behalf of myself and the Town Council, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Lebanon Gives Back effort during our Bicentennial. Your efforts and contributions assisted several families in our area in need. We look forward to continuing this effort during 2020.”