'Spooky' event will benefit the hungry

This knock on the door won't be followed by a "trick or treat" request for candy, but for nonperishable food items for those in need.

It's Spooky to be Hungry, a grassroots food drive, will be in more than 80 neighborhoods Oct. 26, according to organizer Evelyn Browne.

The program is one of several volunteer opportunities available on Make A Difference Day sponsored by USA Weekend.

Eight years ago Browne started the food drive in three Columbia County neighborhoods to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank. Gradually, it moved into Richmond County, and last year, North Augusta joined in.

This year, there are three satellite It's Spooky to be Hungry drives taking place in Columbia, Summerville, S.C., and Greenwood, S.C.

Last year, more than 35,000 pounds of food and $18,000 were collected.

"I had no idea we would grow like this," Browne said of the program.

There are a few reasons why she thinks the concept has become popular.

"It touches people in a positive way," she said. "It's fun; it's brief; it's significant and conclusive. People are able to see concrete results."

Getting involved is easy. All it takes is volunteers.

One person must commit to be the neighborhood captain. There is a training meeting that walks the captain through the steps of the food drive, including finding additional volunteers.

Captains also receive fliers about the types of food needed.

Then, on Saturday, Oct. 26, volunteers gather at the captain's house, where they decorate their wagons or cars, whatever they plan to collect the food in. They are divided into teams that go door to door to visit with their neighbors and collect food.

"Half of our volunteers are children," she said.

At 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1, there will be a celebration for the It's Spooky to Be Hungry program at Golden Harvest Food Bank. At the event, totals of the food drive will be announced. There will be door prizes andprogram volunteers are invited to attend.

"People feel so connected to that huge amount of food," Browne said. "That may be something you collected and carried down your street."

It's not too late for neighborhoods to sign up for this year's food drive. For more information, call Browne at 863-5863.