Community rallies in support of food drive

Maggi Flores knew people would be struggling over the holidays this year and knew she needed to help.

“I saw how many people were asking anonymously on Facebook for help with food this holiday season, and it honestly broke my heart,”  Flores said. “I remembered being in a tough spot and needing help.”

She told her husband, Brandon, that they needed to do something through the organization they run, Owatonna Bike Blessing.

“He immediately agreed, and we got to work that day,” Flores said.

At first, she decided to collect what they could.

“So we reached out to some friends in the community, and everything really snowballed from there,” Flores said.

For example, she said, All the Details, LLC, came through with a unique collection idea.

“(They) really took an awesome spin with a head-to-head battle of the sexes contest to fill the trunks of two vehicles, with the losers having to complete a dare by the winning team,” she said.

“Brandon and I came up with the idea to ask for pledges of 10 cents per pound of food collected, in hopes to encourage people to donate,” Flores  said. “The Flemke Agency offered to do a donation match up to a certain amount. So really, everyone that showed up on the ground floor made this all happen.”

Flores said initially, the goal was to fill an enclosed trailer with food to donate to Community Pathways.

“We realized that was a very lofty goal, so we figured we would just do our best to collect as much as we can to help as many people as we can,” Flores said. “After the amazing support from businesses and people in the community, it’s looking like the trailer isn’t that lofty of a goal anymore.”

Regardless what happens with the federal government shutdown, Flores said, it’s important to help the community.

“I feel that no matter what, things like this are important. Especially during the holiday seasons and cold months, where gardens are finished for the year,” she said. “This time of year is already financially stressful on families, and people shouldn’t have to worry about being able to eat. The shut down, I feel, has really amplified the community to do what they can for their neighbors.”

Flores said the battle of the sexes competition ends Nov. 14, with donations expected to be dropped off to Community Pathways of Steele County on Nov. 17.

Donations can be dropped off at 342 W. Bridge St. and 2020 Austin Rd. in Owatonna. 

There will also be a team collecting donations on Nov. 14 for those who can’t make it to the drop-off locations.