Local Organizations Support Food Bank of NWI’s Hope for the Holidays Campaign
Food baskets will be delivered this holiday season to more than 1,000 families in need across Lake, Porter and La Porte County thanks to a partnership between NIPSCO, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, the City of Gary, WLTH Radio 1370-AM and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
More than one hundred northwest Indiana residents, local businesses and community leaders called-in or stopped by a live broadcast on WLTH Radio 1370-AM to offer their support for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s Hope for the Holiday’s campaign – which raised more than $16,400 dollars.
The radio-thon was jump-started by NIPSCO with a $10,000 community challenge to match pledges dollar-for-dollar.
“The community really stepped-up to the challenge and we were encouraged by everyone’s willingness to help one another this holiday season,” said NIPSCO president, Kathleen O’Leary.
“The people of Gary and surrounding areas are some of the most caring and generous individuals you’ll ever meet,” said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “A challenge was placed before this community to help and they answered the call.”
On-air pledges and food donations were received at the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, another driving force behind this year’s campaign.
“The Urban League of NWI its and Board of Directors supports all efforts to assist in providing food baskets to needy families throughout the region,” added Urban League of NWI president, Vanessa Allen. “We believe in giving to improve the quality of life in the areas of education, income and health.”
“We’re so excited to see so many people stepping up and making donations to help feed hungry families this holiday season. Because of their generosity we will be able to provide holiday meal basket to 1,000 families. Thank you to everyone who donated, and to NIPSCO, the Urban League and the City of Gary for helping to make this possible,” said Food Bank of Northwest Indiana executive director, Angie Williams.
Following the radio-thon, these organizations will package the purchased food into holiday baskets at the Genesis Center and distribute them to families in need.
Donations can still be made by visiting www.hopefortheholidaysnwi.org.