Dundalk Chamber Collects Food for Needy Neighbors

With Thanksgiving approaching, many Dundalk-Edgemere organizations are stepping up their efforts to take care of needy neighbors and the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce is no different.

The group held a luncheon Nov. 9 at The Poplar Inn and asked members to bring nonperishable food items with them for the Chamber's "Thanks-for-Giving" campaign.

The resulting generous collection of food will benefit the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's emergency food closet, according to Chamber Office Manager Dotty Cristy.

In addition to members bringing food for the drive, the Poplar's staff had set up a large box at the restaurant that was full and waiting for the group when it arrived, Cristy said.

About 25 members enjoyed hearing from Leonard Lee of the Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center. Lee spoke of the free services the center offers to small business owners, according to Cristy.

Cristy thanked all members who donated and offered special thanks to Phil Hanlon, The Poplar Inn and Thompson Automotive, the employees of which filled the back of an SUV with food donations.

In addition to collecting for Thanksgiving, the group will also gather food for Christmas efforts, Cristy said.

Anyone who would like to donate food can drop it off at the Dundalk Chamber office, 7233 German Hill Road (at Dundalk Florist).