County businesses organize food drive

TOWSON, Md. - Local businesses have come together to launch the 3rd annual Towson Business Community food drive. The food will help restock the shelves at The Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC), a food pantry that gave nearly 600,000 pounds of food last year to needy residents in and around Towson.

The Towson business community, including law firms, building owners, government and financial services firms, have joined together to collect nonperishable food during the month-long drive from October 1 through 31. Sixteen office buildings have joined the volunteer effort, including many of the largest office complexes in Towson. Each participating building serves as a makeshift drop-off center and volunteer professionals spread the word to building occupants.

"It's difficult to keep on top of demand in the face of the lingering recession," says Cathy Burgess, director of ACTC. "The food drive always fills a critical need. Unemployment and lean budgets have so many people in the Towson area struggling to keep a roof over their head and food on the table." She added that her organization also provides financial help to keep people in their homes or keep the utilities on.