Published: October 11, 2008 02:29 pm      

Weight Watchers ‘weigh-in’ for hunger to help local food pantry

Weight Watchers recently kicked off the first Lose For Good campaign to help get the world in balance by offering members an opportunity to help others while helping themselves achieve a healthier lifestyle. The campaign began on Sept. 7 and concludes on Oct. 18.

For every pound members lose, Weight Watchers will donate the equivalent of one pound of food, up to one million dollars, to two leading hunger relief organizations.

As part of this campaign, to help locally, the Weight Watchers members started a Lose For Good food drive. All foods donated will go to the First Baptist Church in McAlester for their food pantry.

“A local food drive for weight loss success and achieving a healthier lifestyle is very exciting and we’re pleased to be able to help people in McAlester, as part of this campaign,” said Joyce McNally, leader for Weight Watchers.

“This is a three-fold effort. Members are getting healthier and losing weight; we are helping locally, and Weight Watchers is helping at the national level,” she added.

People don’t have to be a member of Weight Watchers to participate in this effort and all donations would be appreciated.

The collection box is located at the McAlester Wellness Center and food items will be accepted through noon on Oct. 18. Foods requested are canned meats, soup, canned fruit, canned corn and green beans, fruit cups, rice, small bags of flour, instant potatoes, peanut butter, spaghetti, canned spaghetti sauce, jelly in plastic jars, small bags of sugar, cornbread mix, small boxes of cereals, dried beans, canned beans, and pudding cups.

“Many hands make a light load and we have an opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of the people in this community who need our help. It’s not too late,” McNally said.