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Benefit concert to collect ‘a ton of food’ returns in November
Better Together benefit concert
Local choirs will once again come together for the Better Together benefit concert on Nov. 3, which will collect canned and other non-perishable foods for the Salvation Army and local food banks (Photo courtesy of Michelle Belloli).

For the second year in a row, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Turlock and local choirs are joining forces in hopes of raising another ton of food for the Salvation Army Turlock Corps and community food banks.

Taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the church, located at 4300 Geer Rd. in Turlock, will be the Better Together benefit concert featuring performances from the Pitman High School Madrigals, the Turlock High choir, the Hughson High School Sound Investment, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Turlock choir and the Hickman Charter choir.

Community members are admitted into the event by bringing cans or bags of non-perishable items or children’s toys, especially toys for those over the age of 10. At last year’s inaugural concert, over 1.5 tons of food was donated, shattering the goal of one ton.

“Last year was really a huge success,” said Michelle Belloli, communications director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Turlock. “We know there is still a big need in the community, so we decided to do it again.”

Scouts BSA Turlock Troop 451 will be offering their time to collect and sort the donated foods and toys, as well as help with setup and cleanup.

“It’s such a community-wide effort,” Belloli added.

The benefit concert’s committee consists of Belloli, Hughson and Hickman choir director Brad Thompson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Turlock music coordinator Katie Brogdon, church choir director Ron Stone and volunteers Eric Anderson and Becky Dorius. Salvation Army Turlock Corps Captain Jeff Breazeale will also be on hand to speak.