Some said it couldn’t be done, that his goals were unrealistic.

October’s Helping Hand nomination goes to Ken Blanchard, an Oro Valley resident and employee of Edward Jones, whose initiation of the Southern Arizona’s annual Bag-a-Thon food drive is receiving increased recognition and effectiveness.

In August 2012 the Interfaith Community Services Food Bank assisted more than 1,900 households. With fall and the holidays approaching, the number of people turning to the ICS Food Bank is expected to grow significantly.

One of my favorite things about working at The Explorer is shining a spotlight on people who are making a difference in our community.

A year ago, the Edward Jones Bag-A-Thon netted 12,500 pounds of non-perishable food for Interfaith Community Services.

Youthful energy is spurring the fourth annual Edward Jones Bag a Thon to new volumes of food for the needy.

An Edward Jones food drive for Interfaith Community Services has grown into a multiple office, school and community effort to collect 20,000 pounds — 10 tons — of non-perishable items for needy people on Saturday, Nov. 13.

A roundup of letters to the editor published in the Dec. 10, 2008, issue of The Explorer.

A listing of upcoming business events in the area.