Give 9 Campaign: Brown Bag of Columbus - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

More than 4,500 votes have been cast for local charities in WTVM's "Give 9" campaign and in just a few weeks one of those organizations will win $5,000,

There are so many deserving groups out there, and News Leader 9's Barbara Gauthier spent some time with one of our top vote-getters on Monday.

In business now for more than 25 years,  Brown Bag of Columbus provides a bag of groceries a month for senior citizens in need in Columbus and Phenix City; a simple concept with a big impact.

"The bag that we to give them is usually enough food to last a week, that's a week that they don't have to make a decision about whether they are going to buy food or buy medicine," said Rufus Riggs.

Seniors citizens like 86-year-old Mary Oeth are grateful for programs like Brown Bag and others that specifically help the elderly.

"They got a lot of nice programs for the older people, like free gas," said Mary. "That helps a lot too."

Unlike many other programs out there, Brown Bag Columbus relies solely on public donations, receiving no federal or state funding. All of the workers are volunteers.

Moses Jackson has been one of those volunteers for nearly two years, and he's seen the need grow.

"People who you don't expect come in people you might know that you're acquainted with casually, you'll see them come in for the food," said Jackson.

For the seniors who are homebound, food is delivered, and once a month those who need clothes can take home an outfit..

Mary says she doesn't where she and other seniors would be without programs like brown bag.

To vote for brown bag of Columbus or your favorite 501c3 organization, just go to the Quick Links tab on our website.

Each quarter we'll present the charity with the most votes with a $5,000 check courtesy of Headquarter Nissan.

Copyright 2013 WTVM. All rights reserved.