Food drive at Camden Yards during this weekend's games

This weekend, while the Orioles host the Cleveland Indians, fans will have an opportunity to help the less fortunate. For the 25th straight season, the Orioles will host a canned food drive from July 15-17, and they are encouraging fans to donate non-perishable foodstuffs and money at the gates when they enter Camden Yards. The collection is sponsored by the O's, Orioles Wives, Oriole Advocates, WJZ-TV and the Maryland Food Bank. What's needed? Peanut butter, canned chicken, canned tuna, oatmeal, breakfast cereals and canned fruits and vegetables are items in short supply this time of year. The drive benefits soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters throughout Maryland. Traditionally, fans - even those of the visiting teams - have stepped to the plate to make this collection a huge success. Last year, the event yielded more than 2,200 pounds of food and $19,500 in cash donations. It's easy to help - just take a peek inside your cupboard or pantry, stop by the grocery store on the way to the ballpark or dig into your pockets as you pass through the turnstiles. Hundreds of area families go hungry each night because they don't have enough food, and a can or box or two from every fan in attendance this weekend could make a huge dent in this serious problem. Donations will be accepted from the time the gates open through the middle of the second inning of each game.