Finding Food for Fish

At a Glance
What: A food drive to collect items for Fish of Albany
Who: Fish of Albany, an emergency service provider to those in need of food and housing
Where: Food organization at United Presbyterian Church, 330 S.W. 5th Ave
Food can be donated directly to Fish of Albany at 1880 Hill street S.E.
When: Annual Food Drive October 17th. Donations accepted at Fish anytime
Why: To help those in need of food, clothing, or a place to stay
How: Those interested in helping further or those in need of help can contact Fish at (541)-926-4460


Pouring rain won't stop volunteers collecting food for Fish of Albany. No, not fish food, but food for Fish. "It's not an acronym" explains Annette Hobbs, executive director at Fish. "In Biblical days they used fish on doorposts as a way for you to know you can have a meal or spend the night" Fish offers the same service to those in need. Each year food is collected in this annual food drive to help the less fortunate in Albany. The food drive is also a good way to let Albany know of Fish's presence and their desire to get the community involved.

About 300 people gave up time on Saturday to collect and organize food donations. Lila Graves, organized the event with her husband Herb, a member of the board at Fish. Passing out maps, she directed groups to the right areas of town. "We have about 25 groups this year," Lila reports. She is thrilled for the turnout, but makes it clear this still isn't enough people to cover all of Albany. She wants to see a bigger percentage of Albany helping our community in need.

Volunteers now included schools, organizations, and churches. Alex Burling has come to this event with her youth group for three years. In the beginning she was a little nervous to knock on doors but has grown confident with practice. "Once you get going it gets easier," she says. Even the rain can't scare her away now. Some volunteers were surprised at the small number of people who answered their doors. Many had even left bags on doors a few days earlier saying they would be back to pick up donations. Despite this disappointment and the pouring rain, food came in.

By noon the back patio of United Presbyterian Church was covered with bags of food while busy workers scrambled to organize the donations into boxes. Hobbs announced that nearly 3,000 pounds of food was collected. This was a good amount considering the rain.

Hobbs is proud of her 20 years work at Fish, but says the annual food drive has been going on much longer. "I don't know the date but probably thirty plus years." She welcomes donations for Fish anytime, not just during the drive. Those in need of services can also reach volunteers or make an appointment at the main office.