(WXYZ) — For the 11th consecutive year, Art Van Furniture and WXYZ-TV are teaming up with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan to fight hunger in metro Detroit with their annual “Together We Can” food drive. They will be collecting non-perishable food donations from Thursday, November 7, through Saturday, November 30.
“We know every can, bag or box of non-perishable food that is donated goes directly to our neighbors in need,” said David Van Elslander, son of Art Van Furniture founder, Art Van Elslander. “It would be great if we could collect 20,000 pounds of food this year by opening up our pantries. It feeds those less fortunate as well as the spirit.”
Art Van Furniture’s 18 participating stores are in Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, Dearborn, Drayton Plains, Howell, Livonia, Novi, Port Huron, Royal Oak, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Warren (East 14 Mile Road and on Schoenherr Road), and Westland.
"At WXYZ and WMYD we're passionate about the work we do every day to support the community we serve,” said Vice President and General Manager Mike Murri. “During this season of giving, we're proud to partner with Art Van Furniture and the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan to make a difference in the lives of those in need throughout Mero Detroit."
In 2018, 15,085 pounds of assorted non-perishable food was collected as part of the “Together We Can” campaign. Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, a non-profit organization founded in 1977 to feed people in need throughout southeast Michigan. The food that was donated last year provided 12,520 meals to families.
This year’s collection goal is 20,000 pounds of items that will fill hearts and stomachs.
“Any non-perishable foods but we will take toilet paper, Kleenex, anything that people need to survive on a day-to-day basis.”
Last year’s collection provided more than 12,000 meals.
The company was founded 60 years by Art Van Elslander, who believed in philanthropy, something the company continues to stand by.
“It’s been instilled in us since we were kids, my siblings and myself, by my parents that if you’re fortunate enough to be successful it’s your responsibility to give back," David said.
