Curves hosting food drive for CAPC, foundation

Curves, 1511 Washington St., is hosting a food drive this month to benefit the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County.

Food and monetary donations collected until March 31 will go toward CAPC's involvement in the Feinstein Foundation project, Cranston, R.I. The foundation proportionally awards $1 million to hunger-fighting agencies each year, with a minimum $250 award and maximum of $40,000.

Alan Shawn Feinstein, founder of the foundation, said that in order for participating hunger-fighting agencies to receive money, they must send the foundation a report in May that shows how much food, valued at $1 per can, and money they raised during March and April. CAPC received $257 last year.

Tammy S. Kitto, the Planning Council's emergency services manager, said items collected during Curves' monthlong food drive create a greater chance for the agency to receive more funds from the foundation.

"Every donation helps that we get in," she said.

Sissy E. Colello, who owns Curves with her husband, Michael, said not only are Curves' 300 members invited to participate in the food drive this month, if women who want to join the gym donate nonperishable food items, the gym's one-time $149 service fee will be waived.

"We had gained 27 new members last year just in the month of March by doing this food drive, so I'm hoping to go above that this year," Mrs. Colello said

Last year, the food drive collected 800 to 900 pounds of food for the Planning Council. Mrs. Colello said she'd like the drive to surpass 1,000 pounds this year.