On Friday, the Charlotte County Treasurer’s Office raised over $500 to benefit Operation Food and Friendship.

“I’m very pleased and very excited,” said Charlotte County Treasurer Patricia Berkeley.

According to information from Charlotte County Public Schools, Operation Food and Friendship is an initiative hosted by Central Middle School to fight hunger among students and their families over the weekends and holidays.

“Each year, we choose a different organization within the community to donate the proceeds to,” said Deputy Treasurer Sandie Ingersoll. “Our office staff and the staff at the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office spend all week baking, and then on Friday morning, we set up tables in the lobby and sell until we are out, mostly to the surrounding offices.”

Ingersoll said in the past, the bake sale has generated about $300.

Berkeley said this year the bake sale generated more money than any other previous bake sale that’s been held.

She said typically the proceeds are given to an organization in the county related to children.

“We feel like children are our future and we like to support them,” Berkeley said.

She said each year, a different recipient is chosen. Past recipients include the Randolph-Henry High School Scholarship Program, Special Olympics and Westpoint Park and Playground in Drakes Branch.

“There’s a lot of organizations to look at in the county,” said Berkeley. She said next year, the office hopes to donate to the county’s youth sports programs.

“It’s our little office project,” Berkeley said. “I couldn’t do it without the staff and other individuals (who) contribute from the community.”

Berkeley said Good Friday seems to be the appropriate time to always have the sale in light of the upcoming Easter holiday.

Anyone interested in making a donation donations to Operation Food and Friendship can drop off goods at Central Middle School, located at 250 Statesmen Dr. in Charlotte Court House.

Suggested donations include soups, Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, trail mix, popcorn, chips, snack crackers and cereal bars.

For more information about Operation Food and Friendship, contact Lawrence Randolph at (434) 542-453 ext. 4305.