The Suburban Collection Aids Gleaners "Give a Hand for the Holidays" Food Drive

TROY, Mich., Nov. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Suburban Collection, for the second consecutive year, is again assisting Gleaners Community Food Bank in November by accepting food donations at their dealership locations throughout southeastern Michigan.  In addition to seeking food donations, the Troy-based automotive group is encouraging their employees and customers to make a financial donation to assist Gleaners' "Give a Hand for the Holidays" campaign.

For every dollar raised, Gleaners' 600 partner agencies, in five southeastern Michigan counties, are able to provide three meals to those in need.  For every pound of food donated, partner agencies are able to provide one meal.  Gleaners partner agencies include schools, shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens and church based programs.

"Gleaners does such an amazing job in assisting so many in our community," said David T. Fischer, Chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection.  "Last year's effort collected food and cash donations that provided over 100,000 meals.  We hope to do exceed that amount this year.  Everyone in our organization really gets behind this project."

One in five people in southeast Michigan – or 770,500 individuals – are food insecure, meaning they don't always have enough food for three nutritious meals per day. Among children the situation is even direr with one in four children missing meals. Thirty-four percent of those who receive Gleaners' food are children.

"Despite signs of economic recovery, the need for emergency food assistance is still high," said W. DeWayne Wells, President, Gleaners Community Food Bank. "We're extremely grateful to the Suburban Collection for helping Gleaners reach people who need our help. Every dollar or pound of food we receive through this effort will have a direct and positive impact on the life of a hungry person this holiday season."

Community members can locate their closest Suburban Collection dealership via their website SuburbanCollection.com.  A list of suggested food items is listed on the website and can be dropped off at any Suburban Collection location through November 30.  The website also has a direct link for individuals to make financial donations to Gleaners.

About the Suburban Collection:
The Suburban Collection is the 15th largest dealer group in the United States, with over 40 automotive franchises and over 30 dealership locations in Michigan, Florida and California.  The company employs over 1,700 people at its multiple locations and related businesses.  Additional information is available on the company's website:  SuburbanCollection.com.

About Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan:
Founded in 1977, Gleaners is one of the oldest and largest food banks in the country. Today it distributes more than 46 million pounds of emergency food annually, equivalent to 100,000 meals per day. Headquartered in Detroit, Gleaners operates a total of five distribution centers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties, which provide food to over 600 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other agencies throughout southeastern Michigan. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 94 cents for food and food programs. One dollar provides three meals for a hungry neighbor. Learn more at www.gcfb.org.

John McCandless for The Suburban Collection (313-610-5600)
Marcy Hayes for Gleaners Community Food Bank (248-336-8360)

SOURCE The Suburban Collection