As a photographer for more than 30 years, focusing on his subjects has always been part of the job for Charlie Jernigan, owner of Jernigan Photography.
This weekend, however, he’ll set his camera’s sights on a different subject — hunger.
Jernigan Photography will be throwing a Party and Portraits with Santa Celebration at its Opelika studio Saturday. Families can bring five cans of non-perishable food items with them to the studio that will be donated to the Food Bank of East Alabama, and in return, have their child’s photo taken with Santa. Refreshments, music, entertainment and a free raffle will also take place during the event.
“This is the first year we’ve done this event in conjunction with the food bank,” Jernigan said. ‘Hopefully we’ll get this event going strong this year and build on it next year.”
Jernigan said he’s contributed to the Food Bank of East Alabama in the past, but felt it was necessary for him to lend his business’ support to the non-profit food distribution center again this year.
“It’s a really tough time out there for a lot of people right now,” Jernigan said. “With the economy being what it is, there are people in need of the services the food bank offers that at one point contributed to it themselves.”
It’s a point Food Bank of East Alabama Executive Director Martha Henk said the numbers bear out.
“In a recent survey, Feeding America food bank respondents reported an average increase of 30 percent in requests for emergency food assistance,” said Henk, who applauds Jernigan for using his talents and time to help others in the community. “Food insecurity rates have risen steeply with recession and the holiday season adds a whole new dimension to requests for food assistance as expectations grow and families gather for Thanksgiving or Christmas meals.”
Despite that fact, Henk said that whenever the call of need goes out in the community, it is always answered with an outpouring of support.
“Times may be hard in Alabama, but people sure are good,” Henk said.
If You Go
What: Party and Portraits with Santa
Celebration
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Jernigan Photography, 314 S. 10th St., Opelika. No appointment
necessary.
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