While most of us will have more than enough food over the upcoming holidays, about 17 percent of the people in Pima County won’t know when they’ll eat their next meal.

For many years, Tucson Electric Power and our employees have supported efforts by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to create a hunger-free community.

Every November for the past decade, TEP employees have collected monetary donations and non-perishable food from the community for the food bank’s annual Thanksgiving on the Mayflower.

This year’s event is on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Sam’s Club, 4701 N. Stone Ave. TEP employees will work in shifts to accept donations outside of the store from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Nearly a third of the people we serve are children and 20 percent are seniors,” said Michael McDonald, CEO of the food bank. “More than 70 percent of our budget comes from donations, and partners like TEP make it possible for us to keep working for a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.”

Last year, $56,467 and 4,104 pounds of food were collected from the community and loaded into a Mayflower moving truck. As in years past, TEP will match the dollars raised up to $20,000.

“We can’t do this work alone, and TEP volunteers are often working right alongside us at special events, gathering donations and helping to make things go smoothly,” McDonald said. “We’re so grateful for their support.”

TEP invites you to join us in our efforts to eliminate food insufficiency by stopping by Sam’s Club with your donation on Nov. 14. Protein-rich and nutritious foods such as peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, as well as beans, legumes and nuts are especially appreciated.