In the past five years, WROY/WRUL radio has dispersed more than 12,000 items to White County food pantries. The station’s fifth drive that ended January 29th of 2016 was down a bit from last year’s record setting haul, but still helped in reaching a new landmark total of items to White County food pantries over the last half decade. The drive has averaged about 2,400 items each year and the food collected during the drives stays in the county where it was donated.
“All the food pantries that we work in partnership with have been overwhelmingly appreciative and welcoming of the drive and the food donations that come in” says Station Manager Jc Tinsley. “And we’re incredibly proud that we have been able to offer a guarantee that the community where non-perishables are donated is where they stay. It doesn’t get shipped off somewhere else.”
WROY/WRUL thanks those that have donated and the participating donation locations. Little Giant Grocery Outlet was the top donation location with over 400 items donated at their store alone. In addition to donations made by shoppers at the grocer, Store Manager John Williams showed his commitment to helping the community by donating more from the store itself. Listeners were encouraged to get involved with the incentive of winning a $1,000 shopping spree to Rush Appliance.
New this year, the station integrated a coloring contest for young people to participate in with students and young people 10 and under encouraged to color the Happy Elf that is our mascot for the food drive. Winners received tickets for them and their family to attend an Evansville IceMen hockey game. The 7 year old winner was Avery Smock while Lauren Burzynski won the top prize among 8 year old. The 9 year old winner was Ty Hollingsworth.
