VALDOSTA — Food banks usually receive donations from Mariner Finance of about $1,500. 

For Second Harvest of South Georgia, the national loan agency increased the amount to $4,000 and presented it to the food bank. 

Lee Bowers, district manager for Southern Georgia, said the agency increased the donation because of the impact of Hurricane Michael.

“The mission is to end hunger and help with nutrition,” Bowers said. “With this particular instance because of the hurricane, there’s more of a need.”

Eliza McCall, Second Harvest chief marketing officer, said she received the call from Mariner Finance in late November.

It came as a complete surprise, she said.

“It’s a huge gift,” McCall said. “Associates in other areas cared about what was going on in this community, particularly in light of Hurricane Michael, and gave this gift that is extraordinary even for them.”

For every $1 that is donated, McCall said the food bank can distribute the equivalent of 8.77 meals.

With $40,000, the impact is even bigger: more than 35,000 meals.

“It’s always gratifying when the business community gets involved with what we’re doing,” McCall said. “(This donation) will definitely enable us to help lots of our neighbors in need here in South Georgia.”

For more information on Second Harvest, McCall said to visit feedingsga.org. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.