State Fair promotion replenishes food pantry shelves - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

A promotion between the State Fair of West Virginia and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. brought in more than 1,000 food items to help stock the shelves of local food pantries.

A portion of the contributions were donated Aug. 16 to the First Baptist Church food pantry in Rainelle. Fairgoers who purchased a full-price ticket to Murphy's concert were encouraged to donate five or more non-perishable food items and receive a second ticket for free.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin was on hand to celebrate the drive's success. His first two food drives to replenish lost stock after a derecho hit the area and knocked out power for thousands of customers across the state collected more than five truckloads and $150,000 in donations.

"The Rainelle First Baptist Church Food Pantry's shelves were empty after the storms early this summer," Tomblin said in a statement. "This donation will go a long way in helping them restock their shelves and will mean a lot to the people in this community. I continue to be amazed by the generosity of the people of this great state who are always willing to help their friends and neighbors."

Tomblin recently proclaimed Sept. 29 as the Governor's Day to Serve. He has encouraged all community organizations, faith-based organization, civic and humanitarian groups and government agencies to organize service projects in their communities.

"I encourage all West Virginians to mark their calendars and begin planning ways to help in their communities on September 29^th," Tomblin said. "This will be a great opportunity for our state to once again join together and help others."