MOUNT VERNON — The annual Food for the Hungry drive exceeded its goal of $150,000 and 50 truckloads of food Saturday, reaching a total of $154,560 and 54 truckloads of food.
“I think things went very, very well today,” said Joy Harris, executive director of Interchurch on Saturday. “This event is huge. The money raised today determines our budget for financial aid throughout the year.”
Interchurch helps more than 500 households per month, which is up from 260 per month in only three years, Harris said, noting that many of these are working families, but they work low-paying jobs without benefits.
Major Bob Bender of the Salvation Army called the day’s results “phenomenal.”
“Our pantry was almost empty, now it’s restocked to the ceiling. It’s been an incredible day.”
He described the gym floor at the Salvation Army as being half-covered with toys and half with food, as volunteers were putting together the Christmas baskets the organization will be distributing.
