Help for local families is 'in the can'

You don't have to be proficient in the canning of produce to be able to fill these cans.

Advocates to End Domestic Violence has come up with a unique idea and opportunity for the community as they launch the Fill a Can, Feed a Family campaign.

Beginning Nov. 1, businesses are asked to display a donation can in a highly visible spot in their office. A place where employees and customers can partake in giving that makes the holidays shine for so many.

Money collected will be used to purchase needed food items for the pantry at the Advocates' shelter.

"We've put a label on these size 10 cans with our own name, resembling a Campbell's Soup label," said Lisa Lee, director of Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

The cans hold 111 ounces and have a slotted top for monetary donations to be deposited. Advocates volunteers would like to see each can come in with $111 - or $1 per ounce.

"That would be nice," said Terri Farnworth, an advocate, while peeling an adhesive strip on the label and placing it on the can.

"We hope they're brimming with money," added Dina P., also an advocate.

Each of the 200 cans available have a label created by Lee. On the back it lists "quick and easy directions," has statistics and facts about domestic violence- like one in five high school girls report being assaulted by their boyfriend - and Advocates' 24-hour hotline at the bottom.

"We encourage a business to challenge their employees in making donations," Lee said. "The first floor challenge the second floor, or different companies in a like business. Make it fun."

"More than half of the 200 cans are spoken for," Dina said. "We have sent out 150 letters asking businesses to put them out.

"The cans will be delivered Nov. 1. Then, they can drop it off at our annual Share Your Holiday Food Drive Dec. 14 at the Governor's Mansion."

"We are excited to have live coverage of the food drive," Lee said. "It is on KTVN Channel 2. Participating businesses and offices will be mentioned on air."

To arrange for a can to be dropped off, contact Dina or Tracy at Advocates at 883-7654.



• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.



You can help

WHO: Advocates to End Domestic Violence

WHAT: "Fill a Can, Feed a Family" campaign

WHEN: Nov. 1-Dec. 14

CALL: Tracy or Dina, 883-7654