WXYZ-TV and Art Van Furniture Announce Canned Food Drive: 'Together We Can'

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- It touches our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers and all too often, it touches our own lives. More than one in eight people in Michigan will need emergency food assistance this year. In the past six years, 51,000 families in our area have fallen into poverty, and with skyrocketing unemployment, and the rising cost of food, health care, and fuel, the need in our community continues to grow.

WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 and Art Van Furniture believe "Together We Can" make a difference in the fight against hunger in Metro Detroit.

From November 9 through December 13, donations of canned goods can be dropped off at any of the 17 Art Van Furniture locations throughout Metro Detroit. The donations will be distributed to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Last year, Gleaners distributed 30 million pounds of food to the more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and disaster relief agencies it serves in Southeastern Michigan.

"These tough economic times have created a critical need in our community. The holidays are always a good time to focus on giving back," said Bob Sliva, WXYZ-TV Vice President and General Manager. "Channel 7 is proud to assist the efforts of these two deserving organizations that are fighting on the front lines in the battle against hunger in our community."

WXYZ-TV has a rich history of community service. For 32 years, Channel 7 has helped provide emergency food assistance to those in need throughout Metro Detroit.

"Together We Can" make a difference. Drop off nonperishable food donations from November 9 through December 13 at all Art Van Furniture stores in Metro Detroit. Go to wxyz.com for information, including a shopping list and store locations.

WXYZ-TV is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company. The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse, 130-year old media enterprise with interests in television stations, newspapers, local news and information Web sites, and licensing and syndication. For a full listing of Scripps media companies and their associated Web sites, visit http://www.scripps.com/.