Volunteers on hand to fill baskets were Ed Deeb, Chairman and Founder Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Russ Russell, Chief development officer for Forgotten Harvest, Anne & Sal Ciaramitaro, formerly of Ciaramitaro Produce. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

Food Companies, Eastern Market Merchants pack holiday baskets for market area families in need

DETROIT - The 25th annual packing of holiday food baskets for needy families in the Eastern Market area will take place Wednesday, December 21st at Sacred Heart Church in its activities center located at 1000 Eliot Street at 10:00 a.m.

Volunteers from the offices of the Mayor, City Clerk and City Council, local area merchants, Fraternal Order of Police #102, Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Imperial Photo Service, Bert’s Marketplace Jazz, Sal & Anne Ciaramitaro formerly of Ciaramitaro Produce, Michigan Business and Professional Association, Pepsi Beverages Company, and the Eastern Market area will be filling hundreds of baskets with vegetables, fruits, nuts, soft drinks and bread which has been donated by merchants in the area.

Participating organizations include R. Hirt Jr. & Co., Pepsi Beverages Company, Milano Bakery, Pellerito Foods, Tony Lin Produce, Andrews Brothers, Rocky Produce, Tom Maceri and Son Produce, Orlando Produce, Royal Banana, Lopicollo Produce, Del Bene Produce, Germack Pistacio, White Brokerage Company, Wolverine Packing, Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Michigan Business and Professional Association, merchants at Eastern Market and Sacred Heart Church.

“It is only right that we provide baskets for families living in the area with products our members pack and sell,” said Ed Deeb, chairman and founder of Michigan Food and Beverage Association, and co-founder and board member of Eastern Market Corporation which represent more than 180 members located in the area. “We have been doing this for 25 years,” he said.

Also assisting with the food basket effort are Fr. Norman Thomas, Pastor of Sacred Heart church and his staff.