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Entering his 20th season on the local short track racing scene, Mt. Pleasant Speedway Late Model driver Alvie Haynes was looking for a way to say "Thank You" to those who have supported him over the years.

That "Thank You" came in the form of a food drive.

Haynes organized a "Cans from Fans" food drive to benefit the Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. The event was held Saturday, March 21 at Ric's Food Center in Mt. Pleasant.

The idea behind the food drive was to fill Haynes' racecar hauler with as many donations of non-perishable food items as possible. Haynes also had his Late Model No. 18 on display for fans and had several giveaways and prizes. Highlighting the prizes were Haynes autographed roof from his 2008 racecar, a Michigan International Speedway program from the June 2008 race autographed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and several tickets to the Mt. Pleasant Speedway.

"I wanted to say 'thank you' to everyone who has supported me in my racing career and it makes me feel better about the person I am," Haynes said.

With an unexpected snow on the ground the morning of March 21, the turnout for the food drive may have been in question, but fans were not turned away.

"The turnout was overwhelming," Haynes said. "I was amazed and at a loss for words."

When all was said and done Haynes' food drive collected a trailer full of food for the two organizations and over $320 in monetary donations.

With such a successful turnout for the food drive, Haynes said he has high hopes of making this an annual event.

"I never dreamed of it going over that big," Haynes said. "It made me feel like I had just won a feature."

Always in need of food and money, the Red Cross and soup kitchen were appreciative of Haynes' efforts.

"The turnout was great," said Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross Community Coordinator Dave Weston. "To see all the race fans that showed up not only to support the two local agencies, but also to support their driver, it never stops amazing me."

Weston, a safety crew member at the Mt. Pleasant Speedway, said it was also great to see a fundraiser that involves his greatest passion - racing.

"It was outstanding what Alvie (Haynes) and Jeremy (Dickman) put together, and really in such short amount of time, the success that they achieved."

In the four hour food drive, Weston said the response from "Cans from Fans," was as great as food drives that take 12 to 16 hours.

"Our (Red Cross) heartfelt thanks goes out to Alvie and his familiy and crew, Jeremy, and to all the race fans that helped us continue our mission," Weston said.

Taking home the two big prizes were Matt Smith, who won the autographed roof, and Mary Roberts, who took home the autographed Dale Earnhardt Jr. MIS program.

To pull off such a successful food drive took a lot of help, and Haynes wanted to give special thanks to his wife Heather, son Richard, and daughter Shania, as well as Jim Smith Water Well Drilling, Country Place Mobile Home, Dick Steeby, Christine Tetsworth, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Central Michigan Transmission Specialists, Chuck's Discount Food, Racers Speed Shop, Mark Bailey, Clyde and Ruby Miles, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway's Betty Crook and Bill Long. Haynes also said it was great to see fellow drivers including Andy Galgoci, David Hilliker, Chuck Powell, Josh Loomis, Greg Mandoka, and Will Stanley make contributions/

"I just want to thank everyone who came out and supported 'Cans from Fans,'" Haynes said.