Mark Maynard
Ashland — Two local Curves franchises will be giving back this month.
The Curves fitness businesses in Ashland and Flatwoods will be collecting non-perishable goods for area food shelters.
Nationally, Curves has been doing the promotion for the last 12 years, said national co-owner Brenda Hunt. Locally, she said, the area Curves has been a part of it for six years.
“All across the country, every March, we do this promotion,” Hunt said. “Every Curves in the country fills the food banks. By the time March rolls around, the shelves are pretty bare again. People think about it a lot around Thanksgiving and Christmas but by March, they’ve run out of food.”
Curves will be collecting from March 8 through 20 and will waive a first-time registration fee for new members in exchange for a bag of groceries. Also, they welcome anyone else who would like to donate canned goods or other items, even if they don’t wait to join Curves.
“With the economy the way it is, the food banks are in desperate need,” Hunt said. “We try to get it into the right hands. It’s our favorite time of the year. It feels good to give back to the community.
“I always think of the kids going hungry. Unfortunately, I’ve always had way too much to eat. That’s why I have to be in this business.”
Cami Wolk of the Ashland Curves franchise in the Summit Plaza on U.S. 60 said many of the current members also participate in the donation.
“We’ve been involved with it for six years and it’s been very successful,” she said. “All the Curves are in good competition. We enjoy it.”
There is also a Curves at 1107 Powell Lane, managed by Cheri Paugh, participating in the food drive. The Flatwoods location’s number is (606) 494-2331.
The Curves in Ashland can be reached at (606) 929-9090.
MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.
