Bridgewater Community Rallies for Salvation Army Food Drive

The Brent Berry Family Community Food Drive is spearheading a month-long donation campaign to support the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Founder Bucky Berry is leading the charge, setting up collection stations outside Bridgewater Foods every Friday and Saturday until August 2nd, with the goal of filling a school bus with much-needed supplies.

Uniting the Community to Fight Hunger

Partnering with the Rockingham County Fair

This year, the food drive has forged a strategic partnership with the Rockingham County Fair, offering a unique incentive for community members to contribute. For every food bag purchased, donors will receive two general admission tickets to the fair. This innovative approach not only supports the Salvation Army's mission but also provides an opportunity for families to enjoy the county's premier agricultural showcase.Rebecca Holloway, the Rockingham County Fair General Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. "I am really excited; the fair board is very excited about being a part of this food drive that is such a great success," she said. Holloway emphasized that the partnership aligns with the fair's core purpose of educating the public about agriculture and food production, while also giving back to the community in a tangible way.

Bridgewater Foods' Crucial Role

Bucky Berry has called on the community to visit Bridgewater Foods, where they can either purchase pre-assembled food bags or make direct donations. "If they don't want to buy food, they can write a check out to Bridgewater Foods and buy a quantity of food," Berry explained. The store will then bring the donated items out to the collection bus, making it easy for community members to contribute.This collaborative effort between the food drive, Bridgewater Foods, and the Rockingham County Fair is a testament to the power of community partnerships in addressing local needs. By leveraging the resources and reach of these organizations, the Brent Berry Family Community Food Drive is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

Bucky Berry's Personal Connection

Bucky Berry's own experiences growing up in poverty have fueled his passion for this initiative. He recounted how the Salvation Army played a crucial role in providing his family with food and toys during the holiday season. "I grew up poor, and the Salvation Army helped put food on the table and toys under the Christmas Tree," Berry said.This personal connection has driven Berry to dedicate 17 years to organizing the Brent Berry Family Community Food Drive. He has even involved his son, who has been participating in the initiative since the age of nine. Additionally, Berry has a long history of volunteering with the Salvation Army, having rung the bell for 30 years.

Donation Wish List and Collection Schedule

The Brent Berry Family Community Food Drive is accepting a wide range of non-perishable food items, including canned chili, stews, soups, cereal, canned fruit, dry milk, and baby products. Donors can visit the collection stations outside Bridgewater Foods every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until August 2nd.For those unable to visit the collection sites, Bridgewater Foods will have the food bags available for purchase, with the donations being loaded directly onto the collection bus. The collected items will be delivered to the Salvation Army on August 5th, ensuring a timely distribution to those in need.Through this collaborative effort, the Brent Berry Family Community Food Drive is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County region. By harnessing the power of community partnerships and personal connections, this initiative is a shining example of how a grassroots effort can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.