Ocala/Marion County fire departments support holiday initiatives

Kathy Bryant of the Marion County Commission, right, and Roger Waddell of Marion County, weigh some of the donated items during the Bring the Harvest Home food drive in 2021. This year’s drive is currently underway. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Marion County Fire Rescue is inviting the community to stop by any of its fire stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 for an open house in support of the annual Bring the Harvest Home food drive. Guests can meet firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, tour stations and explore equipment up close.

Ocala Fire Rescue is conducting an on-going food and gift drive and the goods may be dropped off at any of the agency’s fire stations through Dec. 12. OFR is collecting new, unwrapped, gifts to be distributed to local nonprofits working with families in need. The donated food items will support Bring the Harvest Home.

The annual Bring the Harvest Home drive will help replenish supplies for the food pantries at Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Veterans Helping Veterans and the Salvation Army. Items needed include:

• Edibles such as rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and jelly
• Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Baby supplies like food, diapers and wipes
• Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper

Donation locations also are set up across the county at libraries, fire stations, tax collector offices, the Ocala Police Department and more. The donations will be delivered on Dec. 5 during an event at the Ocala downtown square.