Even though they are staying healthy and keeping off the pounds, the ladies at Demopolis’ Curves Fitness for Women hope to collect 1,000 pounds of food in March.

The reason is the 8th Annual Food Drive held by Curves branches all over the nation.

“This is just a national thing that Curves does and all the Curves that want to participate can,” Demopolis Curves owner Janet Hunt said, “We have a chance to help so many people, at a time when food banks are lowest, while we assist more women in reaching their fitness and weight loss goals. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, and we’re very proud to participate.”

Hunt’s Demopolis Curves participated in last year’s Relay for Life and played large roles during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising money and hosting a ceremony dedicated to survivors and those who lost their lives to the disease.

“When I got involved in Curves, they were looking for people who wanted to be involved in the community and I love helping charities,” Hunt said. “This is a good way to be a part of the community.”

Last year the Demopolis center set a goal of 1,000 pounds of food and exceeded their objective. This year, they are setting the same goal with hopes of surpassing it.

As an incentive for the community to help Curves reach their goals, Hunt is waiving its normal service fee for any new member who brings in a bag of non-perishable goods and joins between Feb. 27 and March 11.

“If you give something to the community,” Hunt said. “We’ll do something to help you.”

Each contributor will also be entered in a drawing to win a Curves Food Drive t-shirt.

Donations will be accepted throughout the month of March during business hours Monday through Friday.

“I am going to have grocery cart in front,” she Hunt said, “but we are only accepting non-perishable items.”

Last year’s food drive brought in 10.6 million pounds of food nationally which was dispersed all over the world, but Hunt said the food donated in Demopolis will stay in Demopolis.

“I will give half to the Salvation Army and the other half to the Food Pantry,” she said.

The Demopolis branch will keep a running total of donated items after it is weighed on scales in the gym.

“It’s fun to do it and the members love watching the progress,” Hunt said. “I think whenever you do something like this, everyone gets a good feeling when they are doing things to help other.”

The Demopolis Curves is located at 1315 Highway 80 West.