County of Maui Managing Director Sheri Morrison (right) and First Assistant Stan Zitnik helped coordinate the county’s holiday food drive for the Maui Food Bank. Photo by the County of Maui.

WAILUKU — County of Maui employees donated over 6,000 cans of food, totaling 3,461 pounds, to the Maui Food Bank for the 2009 holiday season.

County employees also brought in $1,356.32 in monetary donations.

“As a community, it’s our responsibility to give what we can to our friends and neighbors in need,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “I’m grateful to all of our county employees who donated food, money or time to the food drive this year.

“Though we wish it wasn’t, the reality is that hunger is an issue in our county, especially when so many people have either lost jobs or had hours cut. Thankfully, the Maui Food Bank and their volunteers work hard to make sure every child in Maui Nui goes to bed with a full stomach.”

The County Employee Food Drive ran from Oct. 26 to Nov. 20.

Foods donated include canned meats, tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, soups and canned meals.

The Maui Food Bank distributes food to those in need through 100 partner agencies.