Food Drive nets 4,100 Items for Kent Social Services

Saturday’s “Fill-The-Truck” food collection at Kent Social Services was a huge success according to KSS Manager Christie Anderson.  

Kent residents generously donated more than 4,100 food items and $665. Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala and Kent State University sorority sisters from Sigma Gamma Rho generated enthusiasm from passing drivers on South Water street and greeted donors. 

Mayor Fiala noted that he was glad to help.  

"Thanks to everyone who came out to meet the need," Fiala said.

Anderson expressed her appreciation to the many donors, especially the students and faculty of Kent State's Collegeof Public Health. Under the guidance of Dr. Deric Kenne, students canvassed many Kent neighborhoods for non-perishable food donations. 

Several dozen students distributed 2,000 grocery bags donated from the Stow Acme.  The bags were filled by Kent residents and picked up four days later by the students and delivered to KSS. 

This year’s community bag drop effort garnered over 3,500 food items, exceeding last year’s initial undertaking.  Kent State students from the College of Business designed and distributed event flyers throughout the community. 

“Kent State University has been an outstanding partner in helping us to meet the food needs of Kent’s vulnerable population," Anderson said. "The hard-working students demonstrated initiative and a generous spirit, once again reflecting the benefits city residents receive from the university community.”   

Volunteers and donors touring the KSS facility enjoyed fresh pizza donated by Kent’s Domino's Pizza.  Owner Karl Waller helped with publicity by attaching flyers to pizzas purchased in the days prior to Saturday’s event. “The Kent community once again is stepping forward to make our food drive a success," Anderson said. "This is particularly helpful during the final weeks of the Feinstein Hunger Challenge, as local donations will be applied toward a challenge grant, expanding our resources even further.” 

The Challenge Hunger campaign will end on April 30.