Hunger doesn't take a vacation in the summer. Richmond-based acoustic rock band "Offering" will host a Christmas music marathon/food drive to restock Central Virginia Food Bank's dwindling supplies during their third annual "Christmas in July" initiative July 25-26.

The music marathon starts Friday, July 25 at the Diamond with a concert preceding that evening's Richmond Braves game, and is followed by a concert at Positive Vibe Café on July 26. Over the past two years the popular events have boosted shelves with peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken, pasta, and other foods that are desperately needed by the area's hungry.

This year has been especially tough with rising food and gas prices as well as unemployment. The Central Virginia Food Bank has seen a growing need to help families put meals on the table. "The Christmas in July project provides a good opportunity to keep hunger in mind at a time when the need is high but awareness-and donations -- can be low," stated Central Virginia Foodbank CEO Fay Lohr. "Summer hunger is a big issue for our area, when thousands of children don't have access to school breakfast and lunch. Food drives like this one help ensure that no one goes without, and they demonstrate that a generous spirit isn't limited to one time a year."

At the Braves game, the entire stadium will be decorated for Christmas, and Santa Duck will make an appearance to give families a chance to take early Christmas pictures. "Offering" will perform before the Braves take on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs from 5:30 -7pm.

On Saturday July 26 from 1-9 p.m., "Offering" and other special guests will keep Christmas spirit of giving going performing favorite holiday music at the Positive Vibe Café in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center on Forest Hill Avenue. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or dessert. Food donations will be collected at the door.

For more information, contact Jeanine Guidry at (804) 745-7824 or info@offeringband.com