Feds Feed Families food drive Published June 12, 2015 By 1st Lt Ava Margerison 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As summer sets in Sheppard kicks off the season in the giving spirit by participating in a national food drive to support the Wichita Area Food Bank. The nation-wide food drive Feds Feed Families, encouraged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is intended to assist Federal employees in reaching out to their local communities by helping fill food bank shelves. The campaign started June 1, 2015 and will run through August 31, 2015. Desired donations include, canned meats, canned fruits in natural juices, low sodium canned vegetables, peanut butter, low sugar cereals, and hygiene items like deodorant or diapers. "I've always felt that this area specifically has been very supportive of us Airmen out here," said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Huck, co-lead for the drive. "This is a great opportunity to give back to the local community that takes care of us." Donation boxes will be in regularly used areas around the base such as the Base Exchange, Commissary, and library as well as in each individual unit. They are designated by color flyers identifying them as part of the Feds Feed Families donation drive. "We kind of secretly hope to get to the levels of previous years, but in the end we want to have a contribution that is indicative of what the base feels about its community and its support," said Tech. Sgt. Paul Mayberry, co-lead for the drive. According to the campaign website, since the drive began in 2009, Federal workers have donated and collected more than 24 million pounds of food and other non-perishable items to support families across America. "As military members we have a large support network and a lot of different agencies we can contact for help," Huck added. "When you think about some of the people outside the gate, they may not have the same support network we do. If they are in trouble sometimes they're just in trouble." "There's never really a bad time to give," said Mayberry. "This particular drive ends August 31st, but you can always give throughout the year also to any local area food banks." Later this month the South Bowling Lanes will be hosting a drive event, Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring two or more items to receive two games for the price of only the $2 for shoe rental. Each group has a designated point of contact for the drive. Anyone who wants to donate for their group or squadron at an alternate location should let their representative know where they dropped the food off and how many pounds they donated. For specific questions about group information contact the unit representatives listed below. 82 MDG: Senior Airman Nathan Roberts 82 MSG: Tech. Sgt. Kendra Bowser/Staff Sgt. Andrew Darrough 82 TRG: Tech. Sgt. Cameron Sogge 782 TRG: Tech. Sgt Joel Peace/Staff Sgt. Matthew Deluze/Tech. Sgt. Kara Wilson 982 TRG: Master Sgt. Shawn Hindes/Tech. Sgt. Ronald Studer. *** Note: If your organization doesn't fall under any of these POCs please contact Tech. Sgt. Ryan Huck or Tech. Sgt. Paul Mayberry for more information.