NORWICH, CT (WFSB) -
WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News is partnering with 97.7 WCTY for its annual food drive to benefit the United Way Labor Food Bank.
This year, with the massive destruction left in Hurricane Sandy's wake, the event is more crucial than ever for the residents in New London County.
"This is a bad time for people. They need help," said one resident who wanted not to be identified. "I'm hoping people will see this and come out and donate whatever they can."
Many people there have lost everything, and the demand on food banks is overwhelming and will undoubtedly continue to grow as recovery efforts continue.
"There's a lot of people out of work," said Dorothy Pietrzak of Uncasville. "At least I work part-time, I'm lucky about that."
The goal of the food drive is to fill a trailer. As of 4 p.m., tons of food had been collected.
With thousands in the dark due to the storm, many people are being forced to throw out spoiled food from the refrigerators.
"We expected that the need is going to be greater," said Deb Monahan of Gemma Moran Pantry. "Add the superstorm to that and we're not sure what we're going to be faced with. So any kind of help we can get and food we can get is going to be used very much in this community."
The drive kicked Thursday morning and will continue until 10 p.m. The drive will run until Friday at 6 p.m.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Big Y on Route 82 in Norwich. Canned goods, clothing and money are all being accepted.
Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
FOX19-WXIX
