Local schools donated nearly 3,000 pounds of food to the Cullman Caring for Kids Food Bank during The Cullman Times’ annual Cares & Shares Food Drive. 

The 2,943 pounds of food from the schools came with donations from several local businesses that were made during the same time, including large donations from R.E. Garrison, Publix, Walmart and Pepsi, along with more individual donations of food and money, said Cullman Caring for Kids Assistant Director Nancy Bryant. 

“It’s a great year,” she said.

This year marks the 11th year that The Times held the Cares & Shares drive, and the donations that are made during the drive bring a much-needed boost to the food bank’s stock during the holiday season, Bryant said.

“It’s when we need it the most,” she said. “Everyone pulling together makes us able to serve 600 families every month.” 

Bryant said it always brings a good feeling after seeing the people, schools and businesses who donate food or money to the food bank, and the people of Cullman County always step up to help out others who are in need.

“It feels really good,” she said. “It lets you know people do care. We have a very caring community.”

When seeing the number of food that is brought in during this and other food drives, some people may think the food bank has enough to go on for a while, but the donated food is put to use immediately and will be going out to families very quickly, Bryant said. 

“It goes out as fast as it comes in,” she said.

Because of that continued need, the food bank is always accepting donations of food and money, she said.

The Cullman Caring for Kids Food Bank, located at 402 Arnold St NE, is open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m to noon and 1-3 p.m., and on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Monetary donations can also be made online at cullmancaringforkids.com.

For more information about the food bank call Cullman Caring For Kids at 256-739-1111.