Richmond International Raceway Kicks Off Campaign to Benefit Central Virginia Foodbank and Marine Toys For Tots

For the second consecutive year, Richmond International Raceway will team up with two great organizations to help support those that are less fortunate throughout the Greater Richmond Metropolitan community. Everyone is encouraged to help the Richmond International Raceway staff assist the Central Virginia Foodbank and the Marine Toys for Tots program now through December 15 by donating food items and toys during the holiday season.

Donations can be made to both worthy causes at the Richmond International Raceway ticket office located at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike (Meadowbridge Road). The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For every five food items or one new, unwrapped toy donated to these organizations and dropped off at Richmond International Raceway, each donor will receive a special raceway souvenir (limit five souvenirs per donor). Food items most needed are canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, canned spaghetti sauce, hot and cold cereals, pasta and rice.

"We are happy to once again support two great causes¿the Central Virginia Foodbank and the Marine Toys for Tots program," said track president Doug Fritz. "But we can't do it without the help of our generous community. I encourage everyone to make a difference this holiday season and donate to these worthwhile programs. Additionally, I pledge that Richmond International Raceway will match can-for-can and toy-for-toy for the donations that we receive here at the track."

About Central Virginia Foodbank:
Through its more than 500 partner agencies, the Central Virginia Foodbank serves the hunger needs of 31 counties and five cities in the Central Virginia area. Last year alone, Central Virginia Foodbank distributed 12.9 million pounds of food to support our community's most vulnerable citizens¿children living in poverty, the working poor, frail elderly, disaster victims, battered women and those who are disabled, homeless or mentally challenged.

The coming cold-weather months are especially critical when it comes to having an adequate supply on the Foodbank's shelves. Many disadvantaged families and individuals simply cannot afford both fuel and food, in addition to life's other basic necessities. So as the temperature outside drops, the cupboards inside grow increasingly bare. This is especially true for the frail elderly, who already have to sometimes choose between medicine and food.

About Marine Toys for Tots:
Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America's needy children at Christmas through their Toys for Tots program. By distributing new toys, Marines deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. The objectives of the new toy include building/restoring self-esteem and eliminating the "second class citizen" syndrome that is associated with "second hand" toys. Marines bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive mentoring by serving as positive role models.