Every year, First Port City Bank and Family Connections partner to bring a food drive to Decatur County. “Being a Community Bank,” said Cathi Galpin, the director of marketing at First Port City Bank, “we try to do things in the community to help in any way we can, and this food bank is very close to our hearts. We see a need in the community and a way that we can help.” Family Connections is also active in the Decatur County area and provides programs such as the Kids’n’Kops and Dolly Parton’s “Every Kid Gets A Book,” reaching more than 600 children a month.The public is encouraged to donate at First Port City Bank or the YMCA from November 1-14. This time of the year lends itself as optimal to begin the program and sustain the food bank, Galpin explained. “There would not be a food bank without the food drive,” said Ronnie Burke, the director of the Decatur County Family Connection. “The food drive kind of overwhelms the food bank at first, having to organize everything.” Burke noted how important the drive was for families during the pandemic, providing in a time of crisis. “And now with inflation,” Galpin said, “families are finding themselves in more desperate situations. I think it’s needed today just as much as any other time, if not more.” Galpin said there is a need for canned fruits and meats for this year’s food drive. “We don’t get much of that,” she said. She also encouraged donors to be mindful of the practicality of their donations. “You may give somebody a box of macaroni and cheese, and they may not have any milk to make it,” Galpin said. Cans with pop-tops are also requested, as some recipients may not have can openers. The program has members from all over the community coming together to assist the drive’s goal. Memorial Hospital and Manor supports the annual food drive, and Decatur County schools get involved as well. Participating classrooms host competitions for students, and the winning class from each school is awarded a pizza party to encourage participation. Galpin and Burke encourage support in any way the public can this holiday season.