Curves donates 1,600 pounds of food to Beacon

Local Curves members stepped up in March to double their donation of food to The Beacon.

The local Curves club participated in the corporation's competition held during the month of March in which members donate food to their local food banks. According to Angie Kemmerer, co-owner of the local Curves, the Curves club collected 1,621 pounds of food which amounts to about 16 pounds donated per member.

Kemmerer said the club that generates the largest donation by weight in relation to their member size will receive a $1,000 check written directly to their local food bank. In addition, four runners-up will receive a $500 check as well as four clubs which will be drawn at random.

Kemmerer said the local club did well despite not meeting their goal of 2,500 pounds.

"I think we did really well for our membership," she said.

The public was welcome to make donations as well. Kemmerer said boxes were set up at Buck Run Community Center and a few other locations in town, however the community did not make any donations.

"We didn't get any involvement from the community ... all the food was collected in the club and that was by our members," she said.

Despite the downed economy this year's participation within the club showed growth over last year. Kemmerer said the club was able to collect a little more than 800 pounds in March 2009.

"We just have great members," she said. "Anytime there is a need in the community ... they step up."

She said they will be participating in the national contest again next year and will also be holding another donation drive later this year. That drive will be announced at a later date and will depend on The Beacon's needs. Kemmerer said it is typically in November or December.

"The nice thing about this, the other fundraisers, and the other things we do in the club is we try to do things that stay local so our community benefits from it," Kemmerer said.