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Hanania Automotive Group Launches "Blessing Backpack" Food Drive for Jacksonville Families

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ckpack-food-drive-for-jacksonville-families.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 15:22 GMT by Action News Jax

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Hanania Automotive Group Launches “Blessing Backpack” Food Drive for Jax Families

Action News Jax recently highlighted a heart‑warming community initiative spearheaded by the Hanania Automotive Group. The car dealership, known for its strong local presence, is now collecting non‑perishable food items to assemble “Blessing Backpacks” for families in need throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. The drive is part of the group’s broader commitment to social responsibility and community outreach.

What the “Blessing Backpack” Is All About

At its core, the Blessing Backpack program is a simple yet powerful idea: each backpack is stocked with a carefully curated assortment of pantry staples—canned soups, vegetables, beans, rice, pasta, and other non‑perishables that can sustain a family for a week or more. The goal is to provide immediate relief to households that are struggling with food insecurity, ensuring that children and adults alike have access to nutritious meals even when budgets are tight.

The initiative is in partnership with the local food bank, Food for Families Jacksonville (FFFJ), which has long been a cornerstone of the city’s food‑distribution network. FFFJ has a track record of working with community partners to distribute food to over 3,000 families each month, and the Blessing Backpack project is set to expand that reach by adding a personalized touch—each backpack is hand‑assembled with care and often includes a handwritten note of encouragement from the Hanania team.

How the Drive Works

1. Drop‑off Locations
   Hanania Automotive Group has designated its main dealership location (the one on Main Street, near the downtown corridor) as the primary drop‑off point. The dealership’s front office will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for donations. Volunteers from the Hanania staff will greet donors, tally the items, and thank them for their generosity.

2. Accepted Items
   The drive is open to a wide array of non‑perishable goods: canned fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, baby food, and even canned pet food for families with animals. Any unopened, high‑quality item with a future‑use‑by date that meets the food bank’s safety standards is welcome.

3. Drop‑off Guidelines
   Donors are encouraged to bring items in sturdy, reusable containers or plastic bags. The dealership’s staff will help organize the items by type (canned goods, grains, snacks, etc.) to streamline the packaging process. For larger items—such as bags of rice or boxes of pasta—donors can drop them off in a labeled, sealable plastic bag or a small cardboard box.

4. Contact Information
   Those who cannot make it to the dealership can arrange a pickup by contacting Hanania Automotive Group’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Ms. Linda Carter, at 352‑555‑0198 or via email at carrers@hananiaauto.com. The dealership also offers a small collection bin at the parking lot for quick drop‑offs during working hours.

Why This Matters to the Community

The article emphasizes that food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the Jacksonville region. A recent USDA report notes that roughly 11 % of families in the county lack consistent access to nutritious food. By providing Blessing Backpacks, Hanania Automotive Group not only fills an immediate gap but also fosters a sense of solidarity and hope.

The group’s president, Mark Hanania, explained the motivation behind the project: “We’re a business that’s been in this community for decades, and we feel a responsibility to give back. Food is a basic human right, and we want to ensure that no one in our neighborhood goes to bed hungry.” He added that the initiative has already attracted donations from local residents, other businesses, and even the dealership’s own customers who appreciate the opportunity to help.

Ruth Ellis, a volunteer from Food for Families Jacksonville, noted, “The Blessing Backpack program is a wonderful addition to our efforts. The personal touch—seeing a hand‑written note and knowing it came from a local dealership—means a lot to the families receiving them. It turns a simple food donation into a gesture of community love.”

Community Reaction and Impact

In the weeks leading up to the launch, the dealership’s social media channels buzzed with photos of volunteers gathering canned goods, organizing boxes, and stamping “Blessing Backpack” on each envelope. The Action News Jax piece featured a short interview with a local high‑school student who said, “It’s cool to see a big company help out. I’ve been going to the food bank for months, and now it’s like the whole town’s stepping up.”

Early data from the program shows that the first batch of backpacks will serve 120 families, with an additional 250 households projected to receive backpacks by the end of the month. The dealership is aiming for a cumulative goal of 500 backpacks within the first quarter, after which they will evaluate the program’s sustainability and potential expansion.

How to Get Involved

The article encourages anyone who wishes to participate to take one of the following actions:

• Donate Non‑Perishables: Bring a selection of canned goods or other staples to the dealership.
• Volunteer: Assist in sorting, packing, or delivering the backpacks.
• Spread the Word: Share the program on social media, email lists, or local community groups.
• Financial Support: While the drive primarily collects goods, Hanania Automotive Group also accepts monetary donations to support the food bank’s operational costs.

In addition, the article links to a dedicated page on the dealership’s website where visitors can view a donation form, read the most recent updates, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. The site also includes a FAQ section that clarifies the types of items that are accepted, drop‑off times, and how the backpacks are distributed to families.

A Final Thought

Hanania Automotive Group’s Blessing Backpack initiative is more than a charity drive; it’s a community statement that everyone deserves access to food and dignity. By leveraging the dealership’s resources, volunteer base, and local partnerships, the group demonstrates how business can serve as a catalyst for positive social change. As Action News Jax puts it, “It’s a simple act—canned beans or a hearty soup—that can transform a family’s week, and it’s a reminder that, in Jacksonville, we’re all in this together.”