Patrons of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in North Strabane Township donated more than 200,000 pounds of canned goods to a food drive over three days last week.
“Oh, we thank them,” said Mary Lou Victor, executive director of the food bank in Eighty Four. “I think they are very generous, too.”
The casino offered its gamblers $5 in free slot machine chips for every can they donated to the food bank June 15, 16 and 17. There was a $25 cap per gambler.
Many of the people who donated toward the effort brought in more than five cans in the drive that netted at least 157,000 items.
“We now have the resources to serve 3,500 families,” said Lisa Nuccetelli, executive assistant at the food bank. “The need is growing.”
The bank was serving 2,400 families two years ago, but the number has increased to 3,400 because of higher unemployment numbers, she said.
Workers spent today sorting and packing stacks of boxes to distribute to the 35 pantries, said Victor, who is retiring Aug. 1 after 10 years at the bank. The food was delivered from the casino by South Hills Movers of Bethel Park, which volunteered its services.
“There is food everywhere,” she said.