The Ravens announced today the launch of the November Food Collection efforts, in conjunction with Shoppers Food & Pharmacy and the Maryland Food Bank. Fans are encouraged to donate to the collection in a variety of different ways, detailed below.
The Maryland Food Bank has launched a Ravens virtual food drive, and fans have a chance to win Ravens tickets if they donate online at **www.mdfoodbank.org/ravens**. One lucky winner will be named the Ravens Honorary Captain of the Game for the Ravens vs. Colts game on Nov. 22, and participate in the pre-game coin toss at midfield. This top prize will be given to the person whose team has made the largest total donation to the drive. All individuals interested in winning this experience must register prior to beginning the collection. For more details and to register, participants can visit the virtual food drive Web site. In addition, each person who donates any amount online will be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the Ravens vs. Colts game.
For the third year, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy will collect canned goods and non-perishable items for the Ravens November Food Collection efforts. Each of the 18 Baltimore-area Shoppers stores will be accepting donations of canned goods and other non-perishables from Nov. 1 – 22.
The collection will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 22, the day of the 14th annual Ravens Family Food & Funds Drive at M&T Bank Stadium. The Lady Ravens Association, M&T Bank and Maryland Food Bank volunteers will collect monetary donations and non-perishables prior to the Ravens vs. Colts kickoff at 1 p.m. The final poundage collected will be calculated and distributed through the Maryland Food Bank. The 14th annual Ravens Family Food & Funds Drive is sponsored by Snapple and Von Paris, which will transport collected items from the stadium to the Maryland Food Bank.
In 2008, the November collection effort produced more than 25,000 pounds of food. The food and proceeds went directly to the Maryland Food Bank, which distributed the donated items to soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters throughout the holiday season.
Each week, there are 50,000 people in Maryland relying on emergency food programs. For every $1 contributed to the Maryland Food Bank, the nonprofit is able to provide four pounds of food to Maryland's needy families and individuals. The Ravens encourage all fans to donate to the cause to help those in need.
