Both Salvation Army Captain Mylie Hadden and Emporia Spartan Stop Coordinator Heather Wagner could barely contain their excitement upon seeing their respective food pantries chock-full of donations thanks to KVOE’s 23rd annual Drive for Food Thursday. This year’s driver managed to bring in right about 30,000 donations which is roughly 1,000 more items than last year’s total of just over 29,000.
Hadden says it is encouraging to see the community continue to step up and support the needs of the less fortunate each year.
Wagner says seeing this level of support makes her proud to be an Emporia native.
The need for food at both locations is still high and will only increase as the seasons continue to change, as has traditionally been the case. According to Hadden, the Salvation Army is continuing to see new faces regularly, noting that the need remains consistent but shifting from one household or individual to another.
Wagner says Spartan Stop’s need is also consistent, with around 20 bags of food being disbursed weekly. That said, both Wagner and Hadden agree the items collected Thursday will go a long way in keeping their shelves stocked through the year’s colder months.
Upon seeing the support for the drive Thursday, KVOE Station Manager Ron Thomas stated it is great to know that whenever there is a need in the community Emporians are always ready and willing to step up.
In addition to KVOE staff, the drive for food once again saw support from Thomas Transfer, Frontier Farm Credit, Emporia State University and Scout Troop 157. Additionally, several local businesses and entities served as drop-off points for the drive including:
*ESB Financial – 1111 Industrial
*ESB Financial – 801 Merchant
*Newman Regional Health – Entrance C – 1201 W. 12th
*Newman Regional Health – Entrance F – 1201 W. 12th
*LCAT – 402 Commercial St. #205
*Coldwell Banker – 608 Commercial St.
*Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply – 2611 W. Hwy 50
*Country Mart – 1020 Merchant
*Good’s Cash Saver – 2703 W. Hwy 50
Also, USD 253 Emporia’s Timmerman and Village Elementary Schools participated in the drive generating over several thousand non-perishable food items.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
