The 44th annual Food For The Hungry Drive in Knox County, Ohio, has surpassed its fundraising goal, collecting $360,400.22 and 23.5 truckloads of food as of December 22, 2025. This initiative supports local food assistance projects and emergency services through Interchurch Social Services, The Salvation Army, and other organizations in the county.
Volunteers operated ten collection points on December 12 to gather donations while local media hosted an eight-hour web and radio simulcast called Food For The Hungry LIVE. During this event, a record of 24 Winter Grants totaling $65,000 was awarded to various county projects focusing on food assistance.
Jeff Mabe and Santa collect donations on High Street in front of Knox Memorial on FFTH Drive Day.
A special grant of $10,000 was given to the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon for a new Choice Pantry that allows families to select their own food items. Additionally, First Church of the Nazarene received $6,000 for its Father’s Table Pantry and Hot Meal program.
Elementary schools across Knox County contributed significantly by raising $18,054.23 and collecting over 6,600 food items. High schools also played a part by gathering $9,874.48 and more than 8,700 food items.
The Knox County Career Center (KCCC) raised over $11,290 through student collections and an online auction featuring themed gift baskets. The Snowflake Gala at Kenyon College added another $89,616.57 to the total funds raised.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) engaged in several events under its Faith Works Program to raise awareness about hunger issues and support the drive with contributions totaling over $8,168.
Captain Christine Moretz of the Salvation Army received the Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award for her community service efforts during FFTH LIVE.
The Seventh Annual Food For The Hungry Service Club Competition raised $18,353 with VFW Post #4027 leading the challenge by collecting $10,000.
Community events such as Praisestock and WeRunMV's Turkey Trot also contributed to the success of this year's drive alongside significant donations from local businesses like Ariel Corporation and Kokosing Inc., each donating $10,000.
Curtis Newland interviews Louie Blubaugh from Blubaugh Body & Frame in front of a truck of food from the Psi Iota Xi Elementary School Drive.
