'Bands For Cans' Helps Feed Hungry Oklahoma Kids

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – A man whose childhood was made a little easier thanks to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is now doing what he can to help hungry kids.

As a child, Drew Hooper was raised by a hard-working single mother who relied heavily on the Food Bank to keep her children fed. Now he's giving back to the organization that helped him by raising money in unique ways.

He's throwing a benefit called Bands for Cans in Norman Friday. Musicians will donate their time and talent, and all the money and cans they collect at the event will go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

"It is so exciting when people on their own come up with ways to raise money or cans for the Food Bank," said Dawn Burroughs of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. "It is amazing and we love it,"

The Food Bank's need for cans and monetary donations is critical during the summer months because children are out of school and do not have access to free and reduced price lunches.

"For every dollar that is donated we can provide seven meals. For every can that's donated we can't feed seven people. We need both types of donations, but if I had to choose, we can do more with a dollar than a can of food," Burroughs said.

Bands for Cans will be held at Seven47 in Norman's campus corner on Friday, June 24. The show starts at 8 p.m. and bands are scheduled until midnight. Admission is five dollars or five cans.