DeMolay Food Drive a Big Success Despite the Unbearable Heat

By MARIA GRISWOLDONEONTA

On Monday, July 14, members of the Oneonta Chapter of DeMolay International held a food drive outside of the Oneonta Masonic Temple. The heat was insufferable, the sun was beating down on them, but their attitudes did not fade. The drive lasted from noon to 3 p.m. and was organized by the group on behalf of Oneonta Catholic Charities. They accepted food donations as well as cash to benefit the homeless shelter.

DeMolay International is an organization for young men aged 9-20 years old, with the intent of sending these men into the world as well-mannered leaders. One of the requirements of the organization is that the group hold a charitable event to benefit their community. Members decided to host a food drive, and take all of the donations down the road to Catholic Charities.

Avid constituents of the community, each member expressed pride in the City of Oneonta and their desire to help. In the 80-degree heat, two members—Devin Sailer and Harley VanEtten—were walking downtown to spread awareness about the fundraiser. They approached many community members on Main Street, and brought in a hefty number of donations as a result.