Residents of Oxford and Miami University came together recently to participate in a food drive for the Oxford Community Choice Pantry.

In one day, and with only a week’s notice, more than 1,600 pounds of food and toiletries were donated by individuals, families and groups.

“Together, we collected nearly 1 ton of donations for our local pantry” said Terri Spahr Nelson, one of the event’s organizers. The event was held in conjunction with the National Day of Service designated as Jan. 19 by President Barack Obama.

Donations came in from several individuals, families and groups, according to Spahr Nelson. Director Mike Johnson extended a thank you to everyone who donated, including Oxford Friends, Miami University Women’s Center, Brown Road Corridor Association, The Family Resource Center, Oxford Private Practice Therapists, the Jubilee Women’s Group and the businesses at 33 W. Walnut St..

Every donation was greatly appreciated and much needed, Nelson said. Some who donated indicated they wanted to give back because the pantry helped them at a needy time in their lives. Other donations included a wide range of nonperishable items, fresh produce, cheeses and cash donations.

Johnson was overwhelmed with the response from the community and noted that the items were put on the shelves right away. The pantry is seeing more and more families and individuals who need assistance, he said. The pantry serves as many as 40 or more families in one day and the numbers have grown with the weaker economy.

Spahr Nelson is calling on others to join her in a monthly donation of any kind to the pantry. Donations can be brought to the pantry from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Pick-ups for large donations from churches, organizations or others can be arranged by calling the pantry.

The food drive was a success in many ways, according to Spahr Nelson, but mostly in the way it brought the community together in service to each other.

“There was something truly special going on that day,” she said. “I hope that spirit of compassion will continue to be present every day in our community.”