SOS branch offices support Harvest Gathering

Secretary of State Candice S. Miller today announced that Secretary of State branch offices are once again participating in Harvest Gathering, the statewide food drive that begins Monday, Oct. 21 and runs through Friday, Nov. 1.

For the fourth consecutive year, anyone wishing to donate canned goods and other non-perishable food items can bring them to the Harvest Gathering collection boxes available in all 173 branch offices.  Pledge cards will also be available for those wishing to contribute money in lieu of food items.  Branch offices do not collect pledge cards, but envelopes for mailing the cards are provided.

"Michigan is truly blessed agriculturally, and Harvest Gathering provides a means to help share the state's bountiful harvest with those who are not so fortunate," Secretary Miller said today.  "I am pleased to announce we are continuing our efforts to encourage greater participation within the department and throughout Michigan."

Secretary of State branch offices are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Branch office hours on Wednesdays are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of the city center locations, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Many branch offices in smaller communities may close for a lunch hour.  For a complete list of branch office locations and hours, visit the Secretary of State web site at www.michigan.gov/sos

All Harvest Gathering proceeds are donated to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and its member agencies.  Last year, more than 662,149 pounds of food and more than $365,253 were collected by public and private sources during the drive, with state government employees contributing approximately 62,000 pounds of food and $21,000.  The goal for 2002 is to match or exceed last year's totals.

It is estimated that about one million Michigan residents will go hungry this year.  The state has 11 regional food banks and more than 2,400 local agencies, such as senior centers, soup kitchens and pantries, which work to distribute millions of pounds of donated food and other items.

Harvest Gathering was developed in 1991 by State Senator Bill Schuette, then director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and his wife, Cynthia, to help combat hunger.  To date, Michigan government employees, businesses and residents have given more than $3 million and collected 4.8 million pounds of food to feed the hungry.