The Philadelphia Union is partnering with the Tri-State Toyota Dealers and Comcast-Spectacor to collect non-perishable food items during the fifth annual Toyota Tundra Food Drive. 

The drive is in support of the local hunger relief organization Philabundance.

Established in 2006, the food drive goal is to provide food for families who are in need.

“Especially during this time of year, The Toyota Dealership Association and Philabundance are again leading the way to bring together some first class organizations in support of a very worthy cause,” said Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz “The 2010 Toyota Tundra Food Drive was a great success and all of us at the Union were honored to participate then and honored to participate now.”

Food items for the drive can be dropped off at the Wells Fargo Center or any of the 25 regional Toyota dealerships from Dec. 8 to 17. 

The food collection efforts will culminate on Thursday at the Philabundance Hunger Relief Center in Philadelphia, where a convoy of over 30 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks will unload the collected non-perishable items. 

The pickup trucks will be led by Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association president Paul Muller. Philabundance president Bill Clark, Phillies mascot “The Phanatic,” and select Union players will also be on hand to greet and help unload the convoy as it arrives at Philabundance. 

“If it matters in the community, it’s important to Comcast-Spectacor,” said Comcast-Spectacor president Peter Luukko. “We are happy to be joining the Tri-State Toyota Dealers in encouraging our fans to help those in need who by helping to donate non-perishable food items which hopefully will enable everyone in our community to have a happy holiday.

“This event started five years ago, as a way for the Tri-State Toyota Dealers to give back to the community and support an important cause,” he added. “Through our fantastic partners, the Tundra Food Drive has grown every year.”

The Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association is comprised of 25 local, Delaware Valley Toyota dealerships, who in partnership with the Union, Flyers, 76ers, and Phillies have collected over 42,000 pounds of non-perishable food for Philabundance in the previous four years of the Toyota Tundra Food Drives.  The goal for this year’s food drive is to collect over 20,000 pounds.

“We have seen a 26 percent increase in need over the last year and now more than ever we need the community's support," Clark said. "The support from the Toyota Tundra Food Drive not only collects the thousands of pounds needed to help provide meals for those in need every year but it brings the issue of hunger top of mind for many of our neighbors.”

For more information on the Toyota Tundra food drive, call (215) 667-8254.