Ford employees pitch in to help Philabundance

PHILADELPHIA - November 11, 2011 (WPVI) -- There are almost a million people in the Delaware Valley who face hunger every day, and Ford has teamed up with Philabundance to help many of those in need in time for the holiday season.

On Friday, volunteers from Ford showed up in South Philadelphia to both donate and sort food.

From canned veggies to pasta, they got boxes ready to ship out to the food agency's 450 distribution points.

"What I've learned from Philabundance is, unfortunately, demand for the food has actually increased over the year," said Ford regional manager Dave Principato. "Thankfully, the supple of food from donations - either from stores or private individuals, has actually kept pace. But it's a constant battle."

Volunteers came from the carmaker's regional sales office as well as local dealerships. Randy Chapman came to represent his families showrooms, some of which are located in places, like out the Boulevard, where it's easy to see families in need.

"In our area we see people who are in need like this," Chapman said. "Without the people in our community, we wouldn't be her in this position to give like this."

This is Ford's third year volunteering, but one volunteer said the appeal never gets old.

"I've been here all three years, it's always been something new," said sales zone manager Malene O'Connor. "But it's always different and rewarding in its own way."

All of the volunteers keep in mind - a third of the hungry are children.

"The ability to provide food for a family that sometimes doesn't have enough food to get through the weekend really does make all the difference," said Bill Clark, the president of Philabundance.

Ford says you can count on them to be back a fourth time next year, if needed, doing their part to make the holidays shine bright.

For more information on how you can help the hungry this holiday season, visit the 6abc/Dunkin' Donuts 2011 Holiday Food Drive page.

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philadelphia, pennsylvania, ford motor company, local/state, tamala edwards

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