Fill the Theatre campaign underway
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on March 21, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
The Paramount Theatre will be accepting donations next Wednesday and Thursday for the United Way's Fill the Theatre Food Drive.
United Way of Wayne County is asking residents to Fill the Theatre March 28 and 29.
The event is a fundraiser to help the needy of Wayne County with food and personal hygiene items.
"Our local food pantries and shelters will soon experience an increase in demand when Wayne County schools dismiss for spring break, followed by summer break," said Patty Graham, community engagement director with United Way.
Items donated will be distributed to the Salvation Army, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Make a Difference Food Pantry, student pantries at Wayne Community College and the University of Mount Olive and the domestic violence shelter.
Food will be accepted at the Paramount Theatre both days from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Those who don't want to go into the theater can drop off their donations with volunteers, who will be stationed outside the theater both days.
"Those who come in will be encouraged to take a selfie and share their good work on their social networks," Graham said. "They can also challenge others to drop off items. Local organizations, businesses, churches, schools and residents are encouraged to do food drives within their group, workplace and neighborhood to help fill all 500 seats at the Paramount.
"We wanted to create some excitement other than just drop off your food. People can come in and see the beautiful theater."
For those who can't make it to Goldsboro from the southern end of the county, town hall in Mount Olive, 114 E. James St., will also be a site for the event March 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food and hygiene items collected there will be taken to United Way.
Items needed include nonperishable canned or boxed foods such as canned vegetables, canned meats, cereal, baking mixes, fruit juices, dried and canned fruits, boxed dinners, pasta, peanut butter, dried beans, instant potatoes, rice, soups, spaghetti sauces, crackers, coffee, tea, chocolate, condiments, flour, sugar, syrup, jam, honey, cooking oil and boxed milk.
Hygiene items include shampoo, soap, tissue, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes and cleaning products.
Donors can reserve a seat to fill by going to the United Way website at www.unitedwayne.org/fill-the-theatre.
Graham said that poverty affects more than 23,000 people in Wayne County.
"That number includes 7,500 kids who are insufficiently fed throughout the year," she said. "That's normal for our community. We'll get the donated food to the organizations where parents normally go to get food."
Graham said that without the Fill-the-Theatre event, a lot of children in Wayne County would go hungry.
For more information about the event, call United Way at 919-735-3591.