TORRINGTON - Stephen C. Houk of Taylor Rental was appointed to the Governmental Affairs Committee of the American Rental Association.

The American Rental Association, founded in 1955, is an international trade association that supports its 7500 member equipment rental businesses and 1100 manufacturer and supplier members with research, business development, and networking opportunities. A.R.A. is the recognized voice and advocate on issues of importance to the equipment rental industry.

Houk will help set and monitor A.R.A.'s annual legislative and regulatory agenda. He will also participate in the organization's National Legislative Caucus again this year in Washington, D.C.

Caucus participants meet with strategic and local Congressmen and Senators to express the organization's views as well as learning how they can affect legislation on the state level to protect the interest of small business and the rental industry.

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut launched it's 8th annual Food for your Neighbors program on January 27. The drive ends on March 9.

Food pantries continue to see increased demand over last year. The Salvation Army in Torrington has seen a 46% increase in clients. The Winsted Salvation Army has seen a 15% increase in clients. Friendly Hands Food Bank has seen a 30% increase in need.

Good items to donate are your non-perishables like tuna, peanut butter and jelly, soups, cereals, pasta, tomato sauce, canned meats, stews, canned vegetables, and boxed juices.

Food for your Neighbors will distribute collected food to FISH, Friendly Hands, Fishes and Loaves, Salvation Army Service Center in Winsted, and Salvation Army in Torrington.

The collection-distribution point in Torrington will be the Church Street entrance of the old Register Citizen Water Street building. The collection point will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Individuals and employee collection sites are encouraged to drop collected food off on a weekly basis.

Canaan residents and businesses can make their drop offs at community collection sites. Canaan residents can also contact Wendy Currier of Fishes and Loaves at 860-318-1272 to make arrangements for drop off. They can also contact Cheryl Hunter of the YMCA at Geer at 860-824-2788. The Winsted Salvation Army Food Bank at 110 Main Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for food delivery from employees and community drop offs.

All food will be distributed in the region in which it is collected. Lat year 28,146 items were collected. Since its 2004 inception, over 165,565 items have been collected and distributed to local food banks.