36 years ago, December 23, 1972, a date that is etched in adrenaline memory for many watching and betting on one of history’s greatest National Football League plays. The game: Oakland Raiders verses the Pittsburgh Steelers. With less than 22 seconds remaining in the game, Steelers’ Franco Harris scooped up the loose ball right before it hit the ground after being bounced from John Fuqua; Harris then ran over 35 yards for a touchdown. Forever known in history as the “Immaculate Reception”—a miraculous play.

Miracles define the holiday season—36 years ago it was that final 22 second miracle push that made history. This week we have an opportunity to contribute to giving miracles locally. Ventura County’s food bank, FOOD Share, has entered into the final quarter of their 2008 “Tackling Hunger” food drive with a goal of collecting 250,000 lbs of food by December 31st. The end of the food drive is near and there is still a great need for donations to make that final touchdown and reach their goal. FOOD Share has collected 106,897 lbs entering into the final weeks of the drive and needs that final 143,103 lbs to make their touchdown. 250,000 lbs will help sustain FOOD Shares service demands through the month of March. I am asking you to join with me and many of your neighbors, schools and local businesses, in the spirit of the holidays, to buy a little extra food to help your local food bank reach their goal.

FOOD Share is the emergency food lifeline to those hungry in Ventura County. Over 600 volunteers work to glean, collect, sort, pack and prepare more than 7 million pounds of food each year, and over 40,000 hungry people are being fed each month.

To donate to the VONS/PODS Food Drive, stop by any Vons in Ventura County and put your donations in the yellow FOOD Share containers until December 31st, 2008. FOOD Share is in need for protein rich foods to provide Ventura County residents in need with quality, healthy food such as: canned tuna, chicken and meats, canned soups, canned beef stew, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned beans, canned spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, rice, dry beans, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, jelly (in plastic), fruit juices (canned, plastic bottles & boxes).

You can also visit FOOD Share’s website at www.foodshare.com and donate money to purchase the healthy foods people need most.

Miracles happened throughout history; please join me in making a miracle for families in need throughout Ventura County this holiday season. Support Ventura County FOOD Share.