NOVEMBER 16, 2006

Collection boxes are at all branch offices

With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds residents that they have until Wednesday, Nov. 22 to bring a canned item to a local branch office for the annual Harvest Gathering food drive.

"Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our many blessings, but too many Michigan families have little reason to celebrate," Land said. "Nearly 40 percent of the households served by food banks have at least one member who is working and yet they still require assistance to put a meal on the table. No one should have to choose between buying food and having a roof over one's head.

"By bringing a canned good or other nonperishable item to a branch office collection box, you can make a difference in the life of someone facing hunger in your community."

In addition to collection boxes, pledge cards are available for those who wish to make a financial contribution.

Branch offices are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All offices are open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of those located in city centers, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers, which are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. SUPER!Centers also offer Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

State government employees as well as other public, corporate and private organizations support Harvest Gathering, which is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan. In 2005, donations totaled 535,335 pounds of food and $320,978.

For a complete list of branch office hours, services, locations, directions and maps, please visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos and click on "Branch Office Locator & Office Hours."