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Brazos, Stewart’s and Olney Chamber Partner for Food Drive

Brazos Communications held the big drawing for a $100 gift card for one lucky resident Thursday, Nov. 15. The drawing was an opportunity for residents to open their hearts and pantries to people in the community who need a little help from time to time to put food on the table.

Every year since 2014 between October and November Brazos Communications, Olney Chamber of Commerce and Stewart’s Grocery Store partner to hold the annual food drive. This partnership was formed to bring more awareness to the local food banks.

Billie Mullins with Brazos Communications said, “The people in the community are very kind and supportive, which makes for a great partnership. Every year since the start, the food drive has gotten a little better.”

The lucky winner was 93-year-old, Lee Ester Bennet. Although Lee said, “I do not ever let my picture be put in the paper,” she made a special exception for Brazos Communications and the Olney Chamber of Commerce. Bennet shared her plans for using the gift card. “I plan on buying groceries at Stewart’s because everyone there is very nice, and Stewart’s is a good store. Everyone at Stewart’s is so kind and friendly. They have good meat and fresh produce,” Bennet said.

This year with the help of Olney 4-H, Brazos Communications, Olney Chamber of Commerce, Stewart’s Grocery Store and the community of Olney, they were able to collect enough groceries to distribute to the Olney Food Banks. Each of the three food banks will receive 12 bags of groceries.

The Olney food banks includes First Methodist Church headed by Pastor Harrell Braddock who has been the pastor there for the past six years. Pastor Braddock said, “We have seen an elevated level during the past four years. We pass out 1000 meals a month along with diapers.” The First Methodist Church Food Bank is open from 9 a.m. - noon on Thursdays.

Other food bank locations in Olney comprises The Ministry of Helps (First Baptist Church of Olney) and Church of Christ. Residents can reach out to any of the local food banks to provide support throughout the year.