RON SWARNER: SEE A GREAT FILM, BRING SOME FOOD >>>

In times of need we must turn to the oracle of knowledge, otherwise known as teenage sensation Cher Horowitz in Clueless. During a moment of enlightenment, Cher tells us, "It's like that book I read in ninth grade, that said 'tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people.'" Well, Cher may be a little off on the quotation, but her motivations were in the right place. That's why the Weekly Volcano is sponsoring a screening of the film, Wendy and Lucy, at The Grand Cinema.

But it's not just about the film.  In a partnership with the Grand, we're sponsoring a non-perishable food drive benefiting My Sister’s Pantry that will coincide with the film's run. The film and food drive begin March 6.

If you've seen the poster, you've seen the premise of Wendy and Lucy. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, it's about a lost young woman named Wendy (Michelle Williams), owner of one pair of cutoffs, a thrift-store shirt and a worn hoodie, who is accompanied by her beloved mutt, Lucy. Wendy doesn't so much do: she needs. For unclear reasons, she's on the run from a "cash-strapped" family in Indiana and needs to get her '88 Honda clunker and Lucy to Alaska where she thinks she'll finally find a job - or just escape.

Roger Ebert digs this film.

Teaming a food drive for My Sister's Pantry and this film makes sense. The Tacoma food bank seeks to provide those in need with a hot meal, groceries and sustenance. People such as the Wendy character need My Sister’s Pantry’s safe, friendly and compassionate help.

Let’s do this thing.

Bring box loads of non-perishable food items to The Grand Cinema beginning March 6, even if you’re not into this wonderful film.

Don't have any cans in your cupboard? I did a little experiment last night to see just how much a bag of food might cost. After going to Metropolitan Market and picking through the shelves, I walked out with a good selection of canned goods and boxed meals for just about $20. And if that's what I got away with at Met Market, just imagine what you could get at say, Safeway or something. Just sayin'.

At any rate, we look forward to seeing your shiny faces and armloads full of food for the opening of Wendy and Lucy March 6 at The Grand Cinema. Let's start now! Drop off canned goods at our Lakewood Headquarters â€" 8312 Custer Road â€"  beginning today. By the time we get to the opening of Wendy and Lucy, I want to be forced to rent a van to get all of the food to the movie theater. Go ahead! Make me rent a van! I dare you!

I almost forgot your perk. The Grand will give you a small soda if you show up for the film with non-perishable food.

LINK: Grand Cinema's Web site

LINK: My Sister’s Pantry's Web site

LINK: Read Roger Ebert’s review of Wendy and Lucy here.