A community food drive in the Teloga area brought volunteers and local organizations together over the weekend to provide food assistance to families and individuals across the community.

Organizers say Saturday’s food distribution at Beersheba Presbyterian Church saw a strong turnout despite the September heat, with volunteers spending the morning unloading boxes, directing traffic, distributing food and loading groceries into vehicles.

The event was held under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” with organizers saying the response demonstrated what can happen when local residents and organizations work together to help people who may be struggling.

Several organizations contributed to the effort, including Helping Hands Ending Hunger Program, Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, Beersheba Presbyterian Church, Teloga Volunteer Fire Department, Hays Fire Department, Teloga Springs Farm, Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Animal Advocates of Chattooga County.

Organizers also thanked the many individual volunteers who worked throughout the distribution, particularly those who spent time outside in the heat lifting boxes, handing out food and assisting families.

Saturday’s event will not be the last opportunity for local families to receive food assistance this year.

The next community food distribution is scheduled for Monday, October 5, at Leroy Massey Elementary School. Another distribution will be held at the school on Monday, November 2.

The food drive will then return to Teloga on Saturday, December 19, providing another opportunity to help local families just before Christmas.

Organizers are asking residents to share the upcoming dates with friends, neighbors and families who may need additional food assistance.

The weekend distribution continued a growing community effort to connect local families with food while bringing together churches, nonprofit organizations, businesses, first responders and volunteers.

Organizers summed up the effort with a simple message: “Neighbors helping neighbors — that’s what community is all about.”