Local food bank gives back to military families

Food Drive

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Members from Buckley and the Smokey Hill Vineyard Food Bank joined together to bring joy and wellness to military families Nov. 19, 2012, at the base chapel. Thanksgiving is near, so as a result, this food drive gave military families stability during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Bolden Jr.)

Published Nov. 20, 2012
By Airmen 1st Class Darryl Bolden Jr.
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley's Chapel hosted their monthly food drive provided by the Smokey Hill Vineyard Food Bank Nov. 19, 2012.

The Smokey Hill Vineyard and Buckley partnership has been successful and have made military families satisfied. The food drive, which has been going on for the past seven months, is held the third Monday of every month.

Airmen 1st Class Joseph Smith, Air Force Technical Applications Center satellite operations specialist, volunteered and received groceries from the event.

"I have two kids and a wife so this events huge and helps with groceries. Plus, it builds camaraderie," Smith said. "The Smokey Hill Vineyard did such a great job while ensuring the wellness and stability of the military families. It helped my family and I'm sure it helps other military families."

The organization supported 178 families with groceries which allowed financial stability and more than 2,700 pounds of food valued at $13,350.

Wynette McKee, Smokey Hill Vineyard Food Bank, gathered people from her church and raised more than $1,000 a month toward the food drive since May to help military families in need.

"Our hope is that we can at least use some of the financial burden for them on their food so that they can use it on their kids," McKee said.