City of Palm Coast issued the following announcement.
Palm Coast prides itself on being environmentally friendly and a champion of conservation - embracing the concept to reduce and reuse.
One of the most cherished events in the City that focuses on helping the local environment is Arbor Day. But did you know just how much that event gives back to the community?
At the most recent Arbor Day celebration held on Oct. 3 - which was the City's first drive-thru event - more than 300 trees and 300 butterflies were distributed with the goal of enhancing the environment and adding to the City's beauty.
On top of that, 1,377 pounds of canned goods were donated by residents attending the event. That food then makes its way to the Grace Community Food Pantry where it's weighed and sorted. It's then incorporated into bags of about eight to ten pounds, designed to be handed out to each family in need. The food donations from Arbor Day altogether were spread among 5000 families.
"The Arbor Day event has been a blessing to Grace Community Food Pantry for many years," said Pastor Charles Silano, with Grace Community Food Pantry. "The food collected there adds variety to our food bags distribution and that is greatly appreciated by the families receiving them. Great community effort!"
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Silano said they've seen a 40 percent increase in need at the food pantry, now serving more than 5200 families. Before COVID-19, they fed about 3800 families a month. This makes those donations a huge help.
The next collection may be September of 2021 for the annual Arbor Day event.
"Arbor Day is such a wonderful event due to all the positive community benefits it provides," said City of Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. "While the focus is on trees, and releasing native butterflies, the event brings together families and friends to support our neighbors in need. Hence the Arbor Day slogan, 'Plant a tree, feed a mouth, grow a community!' Way cool event with so many positive aspects and family-friendly fun!"
Original source can be found here.
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