HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Eighteen Reno County churches will open their doors Wednesday, Nov. 18, for the ninth annual We’ll Leave the Lights On Thanksgiving food drive.
Community members are invited to visit any participating church between 5 and 7 p.m. to donate nonperishable food items or make monetary contributions to the Food Bank of Reno County.
The annual event comes at a time when food assistance needs are growing throughout Reno County. According to a study by the Reno County United Way, 41% of county residents are considered food insecure. Organizers say recent federal reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have added to the concern.
Acceptable donations include canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, Hamburger Helper and other nonperishable food items. Monetary donations also will be accepted to support the Food Bank of Reno County.
Participating churches include Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite, Center Amish Mennonite, Community Church of the Brethren, Crossroads Christian, Emanuel Lutheran, Faith United Methodist, First Congregational, First Mennonite, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Grace Episcopal, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Journey Mennonite, New Covenant Presbyterian, Park Place Christian, Tenth Avenue United Methodist, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Trinity United Methodist and Word of Life Mennonite.
The food collected at each church will be weighed and delivered to the Food Bank of Reno County for distribution to individuals and families in need.
Last year's food drive collected 8,450 pounds of food.
The event originated through a local poverty coalition that brought churches together to explore ways to address community needs. Beth Southern of First Presbyterian Church and Nancy Bether of Holy Cross Catholic Church help coordinate the annual effort.
Over the years, We’ll Leave the Lights On has developed into a Thanksgiving tradition that brings together congregations from multiple faith communities with a common goal of reducing hunger in Reno County.