VERGENNES — Shoppers at Champlain Discount Foods in Vergennes and at Shaw’s in both Vergennes and Bristol will see the familiar green vests of Vergennes Lions Club members on Saturday, Feb. 13. Assisted by local Boy Scouts, the club will sponsor its annual Food From the Heart event, a major food drive to benefit food shelves in Vergennes and Bristol.
Several years ago, Vergennes Lions Club recognized a need to replenish shelves that were starting to look a bit bare, as donations generated during the holidays were dwindling. The group, under the leadership of Lion Harry Curth, asked that on the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day shoppers consider placing donations in the boxes provided at the grocery stores. Food From the Heart has become an annual event in Vergennes, and similar drives have been adopted by Lions Clubs in other parts of the state to benefit shelves in their communities.
Canned goods and other non-perishable foods, household cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and diapers are all suggested for donation. Cash donations will also be accepted. Collections will be made from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 13th. The Lions will deliver all gifts to the local food shelf sites.
Club members have expressed their gratitude to the local stores that provide space for the collection, and they note the generosity and good will they observe each year as shoppers bring their donations to them.  They feel it is truly “Food From the Heart.”