ROH holds second annual Pack the House food drive

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Opera House recently announce the second annual Pack the House event, an initiative to raise money, collect food donations, and highlight the importance of local hunger relief.

According to Skip Smith, executive director of the SHARE Fund, the goal is to fill all 750 seats in the historic theater with a bag of food (or funds) to benefit four local organizations that specialize in fighting food insecurity.

The organizations benefitting from Pack The House include the SHARE Fund Food Pantry, Gather, Grace Community Church, and End 68 Hours of Hunger.

Smith says that all food and monetary donations will be divided equally among the Rochester-based organizations, helping them to "continue their incredible work and outreach through food pantries, mobile markets, home delivery, and more."

"As we near colder temperatures, we're encouraging the public to join forces with Rochester Opera House to bring our community together and PACK THE HOUSE so our neighbors in need can go to bed full," said Smith. "It's more important than ever and we need your help."

Pack the House will be held next Saturday from 9 a.m.-to 3 p.m. The Opera House is located above City Hall at 31 Wakefield Street. Visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com for general inquiries, additional information, or to make a donation.

Top 10 most needed items:

• Baked Beans
• Soup (Not Condensed)
• Canned Corn
• Stew/Chili
• Canned Meat (Chicken, Tuna, etc.)
• Jelly
• Canned Pasta Meals
• Juice
• Granola Bars & Crackers
• Cereal
• Monetary Donations