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Published Thursday, November 26, 2009 in Local

Photo by Sarah Fay Campbell

On a day of giving thanks, Lora Beck and her sons, Peyton and Chase, want to encourage Cowetans to donate to the Newnan Junior Service League’s annual Can-A-Thon. There will be drop-offs Tuesday in downtown Newnan and Senoia.

As we gather for Thanksgiving, think about those less fortunate

By Sarah Fay Campbell

The Times-Herald

It's definitely not the best of times, but there is still much to be thankful for.

And many are thankful for the caring and generosity of their fellow Cowetans.

"This Thanksgiving, as we get together with our friends and families to celebrate our blessings, let's also remember those that are not as fortunate as us," said Lora Beck, 2009 Can-A-Thon chairwoman for the Newnan Junior Service League.

The 26th annual Coweta Can-A-Thon, which ends with public donations at drop-off points in Newnan and Senoia on Tuesday, benefits the Coweta Community Food Pantry.

Today, "many families will depend on the food pantry or other local agencies for their Thanksgiving meal," Beck said.

"Right here in our backyard, thousands of people are going through very tough times, and every day is a struggle," she said.

The food pantry has been inundated with requests over the last year. If not for a few emergency can donations and the early delivery this year of items collected by some local public schools, the shelves would be bare now and there wouldn't have been food to give out to families for Thanksgiving, said pantry director Derenda Rowe.

"Unlike most years, when it is slim pickings at Thanksgiving, we're going to be able to feed the people well," Rowe said last week.

The Can-A-Thon is "something that everyone can participate in, no matter your age or skill set," said Beck.

Zach Quick, a second-grader at Atkinson Elementary, gave $100 of his birthday money to the Can-A-Thon, Beck said. "He said that he didn't need any new toys -- he wanted people to have enough food to eat."

This year's Can-A-Thon goal is 325,000 in food items and cash equivalents.

"But the real goal is that no one in Coweta County will go hungry," Beck said. "You never know whom you might be helping. It could be someone you work with, or even children that go to school with your children."

"Please do a small part and help donate to the food pantry," Beck said. "So that in 2010, we are able to feed our neighbors who have hit hard times."

Drop off canned goods or monetary donations (counted as three cans per $1) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the North Court Square in downtown Newnan or 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Senoia. The goal this year is to top 325,000 cans -- some 317,000 cans were collected last year. Food collected goes to stock the Coweta Community Food Pantry housed with One Roof outreach on Temple Avenue in Newnan for year-round assistance. Local schools, businesses and industries are encouraged to participate. Details: Lora Beck, Newnan Junior Service League, 770-317-6253.

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