Ozarka 100% Natural Spring Water celebrated Giving Tuesday last week by donating $5,000 and a truckload of bottled water to the East Texas Food Bank. On Nov. 27, Ozarka and its parent company, Nestlé Waters North America, made the donation to the food bank in Tyler and Ozarka employees volunteered afterward. Giving Tuesday is meant to promote being charitable and celebrate philanthropy. Since 2012, it is celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. With its plant located in Hawkins, Ozarka hopes its donation will assist families in East Texas who are living with food insecurity. The company has partnered with the food bank since 2003.

“Supporting our local communities is a priority for our company,” Jeff Hall, Ozarka factory manager, said. “Since 2003 we have partnered with the East Texas Food Bank and we are pleased to help again on Giving Tuesday. On behalf of our 230 employees in Wood County, and more than 1,300 statewide, we are grateful for the good work that is being done here to assist families in need. We are proud to support the East Texas Food Bank again.”

East Texas Food Bank gives to more than 252,900 clients in 26 counties in the region.

“The holiday season is a particularly important time of need for our families,” Dennis Cullinane, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank, said. “This donation and delivery of bottled water could not have arrived at a better time. We are so fortunate and thankful for our long-standing partnership with Ozarka and their continued support of the work that we do each day.”

For more information on how to help the hungry, reach out to the food bank on the website, easttexasfoodbank.org.