Staff Writer

The needy don't disappear when Christmas is over. That's why Union native and TV personality Jack Roper was helping collect food for the Salvation Army Wednesday afternoon.

Roper, along with representatives of Hardee's, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and the Salvation Army of Union County, was outside Food Lion seeking donations of non-perishable food and other items from store customers. He said the donations will be turned over to the local Salvation Army for use in assisting the needy who are having a hard time this summer, especially because of the surging price of gas.

“We have a thing at Channel 7 called ‘Caring For The Carolinas,' so we come up with an event about six times a year, in June the event is to collect non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army, in this case in Union County,” he said. “People think primarily of Salvation Army at Christmas, but when the kids are out of school in the summer and they got to feed the kids and with the price of gas - they can't drink the gas, you need some food - it gets hard to buy it.”

Stacy Mills, a social worker with the Salvation Army, said food items needed include canned meat, saltine crackers, cereals, noodles and soups. Non-food items needed include paper plates and cups for the Army's shelter; other paper items such as toilet tissue and paper towels; diapers and baby formula; toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Mrs. Mills said that on average, the Salvation Army assists 75-100 needy families a month during the summer. She said needs actually increase as far as the food pantry is concerned. With school out, families whose children would get breakfast and/or lunch at school, must provide those meals themselves. These families often have to turn to the food pantry for help throughout the summer.

Capt. Jason Smith said many families seeking the Army's help are saying that the surging price of gas is making it difficult for them to buy food as well as provide for their families in general. Smith said that while the Army cannot actually provide anyone with gasoline, it is seeking funding to obtain gift cards from local gas stations to distribute to the needy.

Union was the last of four collection drives conducted this month for local Salvation Army offices by Caring For The Carolinas. Collections were also held in Woodruff, Spartanburg and Piedmont. Those who donated received a reward courtesy of one of the sponsors of Caring For The Carolinas.

“Our sponsors for our Caring For The Carolinas are Hardee's along with Food Lion and Spartanburg Regional hospital,” Roper said. “Now if you bring us some non-perishables then Hardee's will give you a coupon for a free breakfast, a free biscuit.”

Food Lion store manager Jeff McElroy said the store welcomes the opportunity help the hungry.

“We're very excited; we're partners with Second Harvest which is the food bank,” he said. “Basically we're collecting canned goods today to go to help feed the hungry. We're just glad to be a part of helping out.”

Anyone who wants to donate non-perishable food and other items to the Salvation Army, may bring them by 614 Green St., Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 427-9622.