SANTA ROSA, December 11, 2009 - The Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) reports that Sonoma County residents are giving generously as the annual Winter Food and Funds Drive nears its halfway point.

Lee Bickley, Community Relations Manager of the REFB, said that during November and the first part of December there was a large increase in the number of people who volunteered to sort, pack and distribute food at the REFB's Santa Rosa warehouse and headquarters.

She said that 280 community organizations and businesses are hosting food drives, with 130 new ones this year - the most ever.

And food donations are running ahead of last year's campaign. Six weeks into the three-month long drive, Bickley said, about 90,000 lbs. of canned and packaged food have been donated, nearly half of the 200,000 lb. goal.

"People hear the grim economic news and how many folks need help feeding themselves and they want to help," Bickley said. "So as we approach the midway point, we're doing pretty well. But we still have a long way to go."

"Our winter drive is the most important hunger relief campaign of the year. It helps families and seniors get through the holiday season and stocks our shelves for the first quarter of the New Year," she said. "So, we are urging people not to let down after Christmas and Thanksgiving. We need everyone to continue to do what they can."

The annual drive, which runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, is vital to REFB programs that provide food to 70,000 seniors, children and families in Sonoma County.

The REFB distributes 11.2 million pounds of food every year. In addition to Sonoma County, it serves pantries and hunger programs in Lake, Mendocino, Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

Bickley said the annual drive is particularly urgent this year as the need for food increases and sources of funds decrease. More people are asking for help because of the economic downturn, the state cutting funds for some programs and other sources of support drying up.

"The recession and loss of jobs hit Sonoma County early and deep and it's going to take a long time for some people to recover," she said. "As a result, the people we help feed every month are going to need our help well into next year and beyond."

Private community drives are being held throughout the county at wineries, banks, schools, apartment houses, commercial buildings, police and fire departments, and city and county government offices. Barrels for public donations are at Safeway, Lucky, G&G, and Whole Foods through December.

Food also may be dropped off at REFB's headquarters, 3320 Industrial Drive in Santa Rosa.

In addition to food, Bickley said the REFB encourages cash donations. Because of the volunteers who help operate programs, the REFB is able to buy about $4 worth of food for every donated dollar it spends to buy food.

"That means that a $25 donation will buy $100 worth of food, and that goes a long way toward helping a lot of people," said Bickley. "And it's a very simple way of giving."

Checks can be mailed to 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa CA 95403 or donate online at www.refb.org. Donors also can call the food bank at 707-523-7900 and put a donation on a charge card.

For more information, call Bickley at 707-523-7900.