JANUARY 29, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that this year's Harvest Gathering donations by Department of State employees and customers totaled 31,910 pounds of food and $1,300 in cash donations.

In addition, Department of State employees pledged $51,538 to charitable agencies through the State Employees Charitable Campaign program.

"Once again, Michigan residents have shown extraordinary compassion for those in need," said Land. "They have dipped into their own pockets and pantries to share with their neighbors. I'm proud of our employees and customers for stepping up to the plate."

Harvest Gathering collection boxes were placed in Secretary of State branch offices and state office buildings throughout the holiday season.

Michigan Harvest Gathering is an annual event designed to support the state's nine regional food banks through food and monetary donations. The food banks in turn support food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. The Department of State has been collecting food for Harvest Gathering in its branch offices since 1999. This year, Harvest Gathering collected over $392,000 and 283,000 pounds of food. For more information, visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan Web site at www.fbcmich.org.

For more information about branch office locations, visit the Branch Office Locator at www.Michigan.gov/sos.