Transportation consultant Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, is organizing a summer food drive to aid St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance and is calling upon the transportation industry to participate in the drive.
Over the last several years, more than $1 million in food for St. Mary's Food Bank, a non-profit food bank based in Arizona, has been raised through the contributions of companies like Paschal Truck Lines, North American Transport, PGT Trucking, American Transport, Lawrence Leasing and the law firm of Benesch, Friedlander.
Under normal economic conditions, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance would likely be in a position to continue its efforts of feeding those in need throughout the summer as a result of holiday season donations. However, the recession had a major effect on charitable contributions, and also resulted in a larger pool of needy food recipients.
Every $1.00 collected by St. Mary's purchases $7.00 worth of food. Ninety-six cents out of every dollar goes back into the community, and 90% of all funds collected go to feed families with small children and the elderly.
Although the transportation industry as a whole was among the hardest hit from this last recession, Ahern is confident that his supporters throughout the trucking industry will once again heed the call. "Our friends in the trucking and logistics industries have been steadfast in their support of St. Mary's every year and even though I'm calling upon their support outside of the holiday season, I'm confident that they'll continue to show their generosity," explains Ahern.
Those who wish to make a direct contribution can send donations to the following address:
St. Mary's Food Bank
c/o Ahern & Associates, Ltd
2198 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85016