By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The popular Parade of Lights event is over for this year. But its effects are still being felt in the community.
The Parade is only the finale of an annual food drive which gathers donations of canned goods, non-perishable foods and personal hygiene items.
On Monday, Dec. 6, a huge truck/trailer load of these items was delivered to both the Salvation Army of Mesquite food pantry and to the Virgin Valley Food Bank to be distributed to needy residents during the holiday season.
Parade of Lights organizers Debbie and Mike Benham have been collecting, weighing, loading and unloading donations to fulfill their goal of helping to feed locals that need help.
“This is my contribution to the community,” said Debbie Benham. “I will keep doing this as long as I am able.”
Other community volunteers; like Chuck Bartolini, Dave & Karen Rogina, Marlene and Scott Hansen and Larry Waite; came to help with this huge job of loading and unloading trucks with donations.
This year along with individual helpers the Volunteer Police Association brought their trailer truck to haul the food to the local food banks.
“I am so happy and thankful,” Debbie Benham said. “We far exceeded our goal of 12,000 pounds for this year!”
Leslee Montgomery, Director of Virgin Valley Food Bank said that this community display of generosity would go a long way to help people this holiday season. “This year’s Parade and Food Drive was the best ever!” she said. “Thank you so much to all those who donated and to all those who made it possible. Many families in need will be blessed by your generosity.”
Salvation Army Director Bill Ennis said that this year’s drive collected 10 percent more donations this year than the previous year. That will keep the Salvation Army Food Pantry stocked well beyond the holiday season, he said.
“Donations made by Debbie Benham and her husband Mike and the Parade of Lights, will provide us with much needed food and supplies through at least the first three months of the new year,” Ennis said. “The Salvation Army is extremely grateful to the Parade of Lights food donation.”
“Every year we are so very grateful to Debbie and Mike Benham for the hard work and dedication that they put into this event,” Ennis added. “With the increase of clients and families this past year, this will be very helpful.”
