Community members interested in supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and families facing hunger this holiday season dropped off food and financial donations during the annual Long Haul Against Hunger radiothon on Dec. 7, 2018.
The equivalent of 468,000 meals was raised during the 13-hour event. Diebold Nixdorf, ESP International and Bemis Company were just a few of the many organizations that collected donations and dropped them off during the event.
Long Haul Against Hunger is a longstanding partnership with the Foodbank and local iHeartMedia radio stations. Live radio broadcasts took place at Giant Eagle locations in Akron and Canton where food and monetary donations were accepted throughout the day. Volunteers and staff helped unload food donations from vehicles. They warmed up in an RV generously donated by General RV.
Financial donations were matched by generous sponsors 415 Group, The J.M. Smucker Company and FirstEnergy Foundation. A surprise triple match by Huntington Bank, up to $5,000, was announced midway through the day.
Rock 106.9 radio hosts Matt Fantone and Dan Stansbury saw a large turnout of loyal listeners who contribute to the radiothon each year. One fan drove nearly two hours to make her contribution.
98.1 KDD radio hosts Keith Kennedy and Tony McGinty heard many stories from donors who, at one point in their life, needed to use a food pantry, but are now able to give back to their community.
Long Haul Against Hunger is part of the Foodbank’s annual Holiday Campaign. The Campaign urges people to come together to support individuals and families in the local community facing hunger. This year’s goal is to provide 7 million meals for families in need this holiday season.
“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of iHeartMedia and the leadership and thoughtfulness of Keith Kennedy and his team,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “For many years, they have helped us raise significant food and funds during this one-day radio event, helping provide food for our neighbors struggling with hunger during the holidays and for months to come.”
In the Foodbank’s eight-county service area, 1 in 7 individuals struggle with hunger, and more than 1 in 5 children face hunger. The Foodbank invites you to participate in its Holiday Campaign by making a monetary donation at akroncantonfoodbank.org or by participating in the Selfless Elf 5k.
Selfless Elf takes place on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Dress in your favorite holiday-themed costume or running gear and run or walk the 3.1-mile course beginning and ending at the Foodbank. The race begins at 8:00am. Visit selflesself.com to register or for more information.