Towson Businesses Collaborate on Food Drive

The Towson business community is banding together for a food drive benefiting impoverished families in the Baltimore metro area.

"It's a great positive community event, and many local professionals get involved," said Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce.

The Towson Food Drive, which is in its third year, collects canned and nonperishable goods for the Assistance Center of Towson Churches, a consortium of 48 local churches that service needy families in Baltimore County and the city. Items can be donated at 15 buildings around Towson until Oct. 31.

Last year, the event more than 600,000 pounds of goods were donated, said Darryl Askew, operations manager for Charles Schwab, which hosts the collection's kick-off reception.

This year's reception is at 5 p.m. Tuesday at 401 Washington Avenue and features hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine. To RSVP, call (410)-769-6168 or email Askew at darryl.askew@schwab.com.

Stephen Lo, the Towson branch manager for Charles Schwab, said about a dozen boxes of food were collected at last year's reception, which he called a "party with a heart," alone.

"We're very thankful to the volunteers, civic leaders and community members that participate," he said.

Goods can be donated at the following locations:

• 100 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
• 102 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
• 210 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
• 105 W. Chesapeake Avenue
• 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue
• 305 W. Chesapeake Avenue
• 305 Washington Avenue
• 401 Washington Avenue
• 409 Washington Avenue
• 502 Washington Avenue
• 29 W. Susquehanna Avenue
• 100 West Road
• 1104 Kenilworth Drive
• 901 Dulaney Valley Road
• 406 E. Joppa Road