By BrooklynNews.com 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with Masbia Soup Kitchen Network, along with five other Brooklyn food pantries and soup kitchens, to collect non-perishable food (canned or packaged) and raise money until December 20, 2013 as a part of the first Brooklyn Eats Cares.

Brooklyn Eats Cares was created by the Brooklyn Chamber sponsored Brooklyn Eats, the borough’s largest food and beverage manufacturing trade show featuring products made in Brooklyn, to give back to the community.

Brooklyn Eats Cares was created by the Brooklyn Chamber sponsored Brooklyn Eats, the borough’s largest food and beverage manufacturing trade show featuring products made in Brooklyn, to give back to the community.

“We should remember that this special time of the year isn’t just about receiving gifts,” said Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “This is the time when we also need to help those Brooklynites who are less fortunate than ourselves. That is why we have partnered with six of the borough’s food pantries and soup kitchens so that no one goes hungry this holiday season. Every can, every dollar can help make a difference.”

To help raise even more money for these great organizations, all proceeds from the Brooklyn Chamber’s Winter Gala raffle on December 18 will go to this endeavor.

Beyond partnering with local food pantries and soup kitchens, the Brooklyn Chamber is also grateful to Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, the Alliance for Coney Island and National Grid for their support and to the many people who donated their space as drop-off points.

“One of National Grid’s key priorities is to engage with and volunteer in our communities through our Power to Serve Initiative. I am proud of our more than 100 employee volunteers who have committed to assist with the food drive and give back to our local Brooklyn communities,” said Ken Daly, President, National Grid New York. “National Grid is proud to partner with the Brooklyn Chamber to help provide food for our Brooklyn neighbors in need.”

Echoing Daly’s comments, Johanna Zaki, Alliance for Coney Island’s Director of Operations, added, “The Alliance for Coney Island is honored to participate in the Brooklyn Chamber’s holiday food drive. The holiday season is a time to be thankful for our many blessings, and be generous to those who need it most. The Alliance invites you all to celebrate this holiday season by participating in the Brooklyn Chamber’s food drive, and donating at the Coney Island Lighthouse Mission, or one of the other drop-off locations.”

To make a financial donation or for a complete list of drop-off locations and participating food pantries and soup kitchens, please visit www.ibrooklyn.com/bkeatscares. Kosher items, which will be shared with Masbia Soup Kitchen Network, may be dropped off at Community Board 14 District Office, located at 810 East 16th Street.

Read the original article HERE.