Alexandrians Donate For Food And Drink Drive

Frank Fannon stands built a fire earlier in the cold morning on Saturday in the former Coal yard parking lot on S. Henry Street. He has set up a table with hot coffee, donuts, and cupcakes for his 12th annual “Alexandrians Have a Heart” clothing and canned food drive. Frank’s cousin, Michael Fannon, is nearby helping with the event.

Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club of Alexandria donates over $2,500 in checks for the three organizations supported by the food and clothing drive

According to the Alexandria Gazette Packet, “Fannon says he started this event 12 years ago because “basically there are a lot of people in need in Alexandria. It’s a great way to get the community to get together.” Fannon continues, “Alexandria is a community of haves and have nots, and it is getting worse.” He adds that 65 percent of the school kids in Alexandria qualify for reduced price or free school lunches. Fannon explains today’s event will benefit three organizations: Christ House, ALIVE! Food Bank and Carpenter’s Shelter. “This morning a couple of suits were donated. They really like those at Christ House for the men to use in job interviews.”

As per Alexandria Gazette Packet, “Sunny O’Malley has been donating “whatever needs to go” for 12 years. “There is always something. Today it is shoes, shirts, shorts, casual clothes. I always have in the back of my head ‘we’ll save it for Frank.’” O’Malley heads for the donut table and picks out the last glazed donut in the box. “I only eat one of these a year.” As O’Malley gets back into her car, she calls back, “Don’t worry Frank, we’ll be back next year.”