Auburn, Ala. - Auburn Parks and Recreation announces the launch of the Pack the Parks for the Food Bank Campaign. Beginning immediately, a number of Parks and Recreation facilities will feature collection bins for citizens wishing to donate canned goods and non-perishable food items to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Facilities will offer daily drop-offs while parks used for youth sports will offer game day drop-off bins. Bins will be emptied weekly and goods will be delivered to the Food Bank in an effort to help fill a critical food need in the community. Citizens may donate items at the following locations:

Pack the Parks for the Food Bank Drop-off Locations

Daily Drop-off Locations
Dean Road Recreation Center
Frank Brown Recreation Center
Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
Kiesel Park (opposite side of the restroom building)
Yarbrough Tennis Center (inside the City building)

Youth Sports Game Day Drop-off Locations
Auburn Soccer Complex
Duck Samford Park
Felton Little Park
Margie Piper Bailey Park
Shug Jordan Fields

"Auburn citizens are known for their generosity and willingness to help," said Becky Richardson, Auburn Parks and Recreation Director. "Hundreds of citizens visit our parks each week, particularly in the fall. When we learned of the Food Bank's shortage, we knew this was a way we could make it easier for the community to lend a hand. Whether you're enjoying a stroll in one of our parks or heading out to a weekly sports game, we hope this campaign will be a convenient way for our patrons to support a worthwhile cause."

The campaign begins immediately and will continue throughout the month of October. The final event of the campaign will be the 4th Annual Carve a Bite Out of Hunger Food Drive as part of Auburn's Downtown Trick or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Attendees of Downtown Trick or Treat are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.

For more information, or a list of parks designated as a collection center, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 501-2930.