Orioles, WJZ Host Food Drive This Weekend

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--At tonight's Orioles game against the Yankees we're looking for TWO big wins. One with the game, the other with the annual food drive sponsored by WJZ, the Orioles and MASN.

Marcus Washington explains why donations are desperately needed.

It's busy as usual inside the warehouse of the Maryland Food Bank as workers sort and pack thousands of pounds of food for Marylanders who are desperately in need.

And it's about to get a lot busier.

Washington: "In years past have given donations, monetary gifts; how does it feel to do it again this year?"

"Every year this Orioles Food and Funds Drive is big event on our calendar. We really appreciate the support of the orioles and WJZ as well," said Joanna Warner, Maryland Food Bank.

For years WJZ has been a part of this mission to collect funds and food for three-quarters of a million Marylanders who can't afford the rising costs of healthy food.  People like you can make a difference in their lives.

Last year WJZ, Orioles and MASN Food Drive collected 6,000 pounds of food and $30,000 in donations.

The need for the continued support of the OriolesREACH Food and Funds Drive can be seen right here on these shelves, empty after last month as the Maryland Food Bank saw a greater need for food right here in our area.

"It's especially important for us this year because we distributed over a million meals in last month alone in Baltimore City due to the unrest; so we're hoping to restock our shelves," Warner said.

Volunteers from all over Maryland work hard inside the food bank sorting the food before it heads out.

"Obviously it makes us feel good, but with Marriott International that's part of our culture, we're in the hospitality business. It's not just about working inside the hotels; it's taking care of the people that work in the community as well as in the surrounding communities," said Skip Cerf, Marriott Business Council.

WJZ, Orioles and MASN Food Drive Schedule:

On Friday, June 12 at 7:05 p.m.

Chelsea Ingram, Alex DeMetrick, Ron Matz and Mark Viviano will be on hand to collect your donations.

On Saturday, June 13 at 7:15 p.m.

Mary Bubala, Amy Yensi, Tracey Leong, Linh Bui and Mike Schuh will be available to collect your donations.

On Sunday, June 14 at 1:35 p.m.

Bob Turk, Denise Koch, Pat Warren, Tim Williams, Derek Valcourt, Kristy Breslin, Marcus Washington and Mike Hellgren will be collecting your donations.