MOUNT VERNON — The coordinators for Food For The Hungry were ecstatic when the total from the annual drive on Dec. 9 set a new record. They can be even happier with the year’s final numbers.
It was announced Thursday that the updated total came to $328,839.
“I’m just thrilled,” said Lisa Mazzari, drive coordinator for Food For The Hungry. “It’s going to give (the agencies) such an opportunity to serve and to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors that are struggling and need some help.”
Mazzari added that she was honored by the response to the food drive. “I’m blessed beyond imagination to live in a community like Knox County where people are so willing to help others,” she said.
The money raised for the 2017 campaign completely demolished the goal of $200,000. The annual Food For The Hungry drive brought in $313,691 that Saturday, though it was anticipated at the time that a few more donations would trickle in before year’s end.
Of the $200,000 goal, 42 percent will go to the Salvation Army and another 42 percent will benefit Interchurch Social Services. Another $21,500 was earmarked for Food For The Hungry’s grant program while the remaining portion of that original number will pay organizational costs.
That still leaves over $100,000 available. It was announced during the drive’s live program that the Food For The Hungry board would meet to reevaluate and set a new plan in motion for the additional funds.
