American Legion Post 25’s Soup Donation Pushes FUMC Food Drive Into Stage 2

The community-wide soup drive benefiting the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Food Bank in Laurens has shifted into high gear following a major contribution from American Legion Post 25.

Last week, American Legion Post 25 delivered 750 cans of soup to the FUMC Food Bank, propelling the drive to a successful completion of its first phase. The donation positioned the Legion as the Stage 1 leader in the Daytona 500–themed food drive and provided a significant boost to local hunger relief efforts.

With strong momentum from community support, organizers have officially closed Stage 1 and launched Stage 2 of the campaign. The new goal is 1,050 cans of soup—symbolically representing one can for every mile raced during Daytona Speedweeks.

“The generosity shown by the American Legion and our entire community has been nothing short of incredible,” said FUMC Pastor Gary Stallworth. “Every can donated represents a neighbor who will have food on their table, and this drive reminds us what’s possible when Laurens comes together to care for one another.”

The food drive continues through February 15, and community members are encouraged to help carry the effort across the finish line by donating canned soup at one of three Laurens “pit stops”:

• First United Methodist Church

• House of Pizza

• Advance Auto Parts

Decorated donation bins have been placed at each location to make giving easy and accessible.

The need for food assistance in the community continues to grow. In 2025, the FUMC Food Bank assisted more than 890 families—an increase of nearly one-third compared to the previous year—underscoring the importance of sustained community support.

In addition to donating, supporters are invited to visit the checkered-flag photo opportunity at the FUMC Food Bank to help spread awareness of the drive and celebrate community involvement.

Stallworth says the overwhelming response so far reflects the generosity and teamwork that define Laurens, and they are hopeful the community will continue to rally behind the effort as it heads toward the Stage 2 goal.

The soup drive concludes February 15, with all donations directly supporting the First United Methodist Church Food Bank and the neighbors it serves throughout Laurens County.