By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Volunteers crossed the lines of faith Monday evening in a food drive for the holidays.
Dozens gathered at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Terre Haute on Fruitridge Avenue as part of the second annual Interfaith Event, where the faithful from groups ranging from Quakers to Jews attempted to collect 2,000 items of food as done in 2008.
The Tea for 2,000 project collects food on behalf of the 14th and Chestnut Community Center. This year’s totals rang up to 1,031 items by night’s end at 9 p.m.
Rev. Amy Kindred said the Unitarian Congregation will continue accepting contributions throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We will take anything,” she said.
Kindred said the sheer number of food drives conducted throughout the Wabash Valley this year probably played a role in the lower totals. While talking to a local grocery store manager about bulk discounts, she was informed the store was already doing its own drive. “Everybody’s doing what they can,” she said, adding the tightening economy doesn’t help much.
Still, most of the food collected by the various drives ends up in the same hungry mouths, “so again, I’m not disappointed. I’m thrilled with any and all contributions,” she said.
In addition to collecting food, Kindred noted the added benefit of multiple faiths working together for a common good. Participating groups included the Central Christian Church, First Congregational Church, the United Hebrew Congregation, St. Marks United Church of Christ, the Wabash Valley Friends Meeting and the Unitarians as well as Ryves Hall Preschoolers.
Committee member Dee Hoke said most contributors brought in smaller bundles of food, between one and 20 items.
Inside the sanctuary, volunteers shared snacks while the choir provided entertainment. An easel in the northwest corner tabbed up the nightly totals, inching upwards from 286 units at 7 p.m.
Volunteer Fran Cowely said this was her first year to participate. Her contributions included cans of pumpkin, stuffing and cranberry.
“It’s a wonderful way for all of the faith community to come together and the 14th and Chestnut Center,” she said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
