By Megan WehringÂ
BUDA – The COVID-19 pandemic has left many community members in need, now more than ever. The Buda Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 12-hour Zoom-A-Thon food drive to help lift the burden.
Inspired by the Jerry Lewis telethon, this food drive will be streamed using Zoom and social media. While it takes a village to put together this kind of event, the BACC is looking for volunteers and local talent acts to perform. Volunteers and interested talent acts can sign up online.
“If there is anybody out there who plays an instrument, does a hula hoop, can bounce on one leg and touch their nose at the same time — we’ll put them on,” said J.R. Gonzales, BACC’s executive director. “We’ve got 12 hours to fill!”
Originally planned for Nov. 21, the Zoom-A-Thon is now slated for Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. through Dec. 6 at midnight at the Central Texas Veterans Center at 100 Houston Street.
For those wishing to donate to the Food-Raiser, the BACC is requiring people to remain in their vehicles and place donated items in their car trunks or truck beds. Volunteers will be wearing gloves and masks to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our hope is to get larger businesses and corporations donating, but this is also coming from the people — friends and neighbors,” Gonzales explained. “It’s the Buda thing to do. We’re a community that helps each other out in a time of need.”
Residents and visitors can also attend Holiday Market in the Park, located in downtown Buda, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, Dec. 5. There will be a variety of local vendors, downtown merchants, farmers, musicians and antique dealers.
