[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 42 (Friday, March 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E292-E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNUAL BRENT BERRY FOOD DRIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2018

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, compassion, goodwill, and the strong 
desire to help others in need are all characteristics embodied by my 
constituents, Brent Berry and his family, of Harrisonburg, Virginia. I 
am honored to represent the Sixth Congressional District in the House 
of Representatives, home to kind-hearted and caring Virginians like the 
Berry family.
  This March marks the 10th annual Brent Berry Food Drive. For a 
decade, Brent has worked countless hours, often in below freezing 
temperatures, collecting food for local families in his hometown of 
Harrisonburg. The food drive benefits the Salvation Army, collecting 
most of the food the organization needs to feed over 300 families per 
month. In 2017, the Brent Berry Food Drive collected nearly 11,000 food 
items.
  Brent's strong desire to serve the community is remarkable, and he's 
a familiar face around Harrisonburg. You'll find him outside of grocery 
stores, shopping centers, and on local university campuses. Brent has 
also recruited the help of the local fire, police, and sheriff's 
departments to assist in collecting donations. I've participated in the 
food drive several times myself, and I am often amazed by the support 
it receives from friends and neighbors.
  And what's most touching is that Brent's partner in service is his 
father, Bucky, who

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once relied on the services from the Salvation Army himself. He recalls 
living in a shack as a 5-year-old boy, his family not having enough to 
eat. The same organization that his son now passionately volunteers for 
provided young Bucky and his family with meals and even presents at 
Christmas.
  Brent's passion for service and selfless nature are unmatched. So 
much so, that in February of this year, he was presented with a key to 
the City of Harrisonburg by the City Council. This is a well-deserved 
honor.
  It is hard-working and dedicated volunteers like Brent Berry who make 
real differences in our communities. I thank Brent, his father Bucky, 
and his team of volunteers who make the good work of the Salvation Army 
in Harrisonburg possible. I wish Brent continued success as he works to 
positively impact the lives of many Virginia families and ensure no 
family in Harrisonburg goes hungry.

                          ____________________