Annual Greystone Court Food and Fund Drive kicks off Saturday

Published 11:05 am Thursday, December 19, 2024

The annual Greystone Court Food and Fund Drive, along with its festive holiday light display, will return this year starting Saturday, Dec. 21, and run through Christmas Eve.

Located off North Phoenix Road in east Medford, the event invites the community to contribute nonperishable food items and cash donations each evening from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. to benefit the ACCESS Food Bank, the Jackson County community action agency said in a news release. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance every evening.

“The food and funds collected during this heartwarming holiday tradition will help provide for local families, children, and seniors in need this season,” said Kellie Battaglia, chief advancement officer for ACCESS. “We are incredibly grateful to the Greystone Court residents for spreading joy and embodying the spirit of giving.”

This year, Pacific Office Automation has pledged to match up to $5,000 in community donations, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution, according to the release. Thanks to their support, each dollar donated will provide eight meals for those in need.

Since its inception 24 years ago, the event has helped provide over 1.7 million meals to the community, ACCESS said. The greatest need is for protein-rich foods, such as peanut butter, canned tuna, canned meats, and beans. However, all non-perishable items, including rice, pasta, and cold or hot cereals, are always welcome.

No left-hand turns off North Phoenix Road are allowed into the Greystone Court neighborhood. Greystone Court is the first right after Cherry Lane, which also is decked out in holiday lights.