Orioles, Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program team up to fight hunger in Sarasota area

The Orioles and the Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program are teaming up again this year to collect and distribute food to help people in need in the Sarasota area. Beginning November 4, the Orioles will collect non-perishable food items at Ed Smith Stadium and will host the charity's Thanksgiving Sorting Day at the stadium on November 21.

"Hosting the Mayors' Feed the Hungry food sorting day at Ed Smith Stadium has become an annual tradition demonstrating the Orioles' commitment to fighting hunger in our community," said David Rovine, Vice President, Orioles-Sarasota. "We encourage the public to bring non-perishable food items to the stadium, and then volunteer on sorting day to help families in need in the Sarasota area."

Beginning November 4, non-perishable food items may be dropped off at Ed Smith Stadium, located at 2700 12th street, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The collection station is located at the Euclid Avenue entrance, just south of Café 54. The stadium will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans' Day.

On Friday, November 21, volunteers are needed to sort food collected from locations throughout the community. Sorting will take place in the East Lot between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sorting day volunteers do not need to sign up in advance.

The Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that has helped more than 390,000 hungry persons in Sarasota and Manatee counties since 1987. The organization's Thanksgiving food drive collects tons of non-perishable food items annually. Food is distributed through charitable groups, religious institutions and service agencies. Mayors' Feed the Hungry also uses cash donations to distribute food gift cards.

"Our partnership with the Orioles has made sorting day much more efficient, and the Orioles' outreach in the community helps generate more food donations, magnifying the good we can do," said Scott Biehler, Vice Chairman of the charity.

"Mayors' Feed the Hungry does not receive government funds, and we are all volunteers. Corporate partners like the Baltimore Orioles are vital to serving the thousands of local residents who would go hungry without our help," said Biehler.

The program is endorsed by the mayors of Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Venice, Longboat Key and North Port, as well as the chairs of the Sarasota and Manatee County Commissions. More information can be found at www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org.

The Orioles' participation with the Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program is part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and OriolesREACH demonstrate the ballclub's year-round engagement with the Greater Sarasota community. Whether hosting youth activities, participating in charitable causes or partnering in efforts to boost the local economy, the Orioles are active in the region all year long, proving that their commitment to the club's southern home goes far beyond baseball. For more information or to sign up for the Orioles in Sarasota e-newsletter, visit www.orioles.com/sarasota.