State Senate candidate Reynolds to hold Juneteenth drive

A candidate running for state Senate in the 49th District is collecting food and supplies for families impacted by COVID-19 in recognition of Juneteenth.

Rey Reynolds will host the food drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, with donations collected at 1811 Main St. in Vancouver. He’s asking for nonperishable foods like soups, canned tuna and chicken, pasta, sauces, peanut butter, crackers, cereal, oatmeal and baby formula.

He’s also collecting household supplies like diapers, baby wipes, bleach, dish soap, cleaning cloths and sponges, and hand sanitizer.

Donations will go to Clark County Food Bank and Martha’s Pantry.

Juneteenth recognizes the June 19, 1865, anniversary of the day slaves in Texas were declared free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was supposed to free slaves nationwide.

“I call on everyone to remember those black lives lost, those lives lost during the pandemic and those who gave their lives protecting others,” Reynolds said in a media release. “I ask you to give to those in need, in remembrance of those lost. What better time to do this than on Juneteenth? The day America celebrates emancipation.”