The Integrated Test and Evaluation Directorate has teamed up with the Fort Bliss Commissary this summer to help hungry families as part of the Feds Feed Families campaign.

Feds Feed Families is a government-wide effort led by the Chief Human Capital Officers Council, in partnership with the Office of Personnel Manage-ment, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On Aug. 1, Integrated Test and Evaluation Directorate’s Col. Dave Wellons and Sgt. Maj. James Cook decided to challenge ITED military members and civilian employees to donate more than 500 items.

“When times are hard, the pantries of hundreds of military families often become bare. Thankfully, through the Fed Feeds Families campaign, organizations to include the Fort Bliss Junior Enlisted Family Center will benefit from the donations we are collecting at ITED,” said Wellons, ITED director.

The Fort Bliss Junior Enlisted Family Center offers a 24-hour emergency food bank and diaper service to families in need. Other local food banks and community organizations will also see their shelves stocked due to the efforts of the food drive.

“One of my goals for the Integrated Test and Evaluation Directorate is to encourage volunteerism and community service,” said Cook. “This simple task of gathering food to support local families allows our team an opportunity to meet that target.”

The food donation box, covered in red, white and blue patriotic décor, sits at the front exit of the ITED building. A large thermometer indicating how many items are yet to be collected in order to meet the goal of 500 hangs overhead. An ITED civilian employee, Maria Garcia, said the large box reminds her to do her part.

“I will be donating soon,” said Garcia. “Every time I walk by, I tell myself to bring in a bag. I really believe in the cause and as a group we can do our part in making sure the hungry are fed.”

Donations are pouring into commissaries across the U.S. to support the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign. Since the Aug. 1 kickoff, 68 items have been donated by ITED. Organizations interested in participating in the Feds Feed Families campaign – which ends Aug. 31 – can visit the website at www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov or call 210-295-1098 to learn more.