Project to kick off to help food banks

VINCENNES, Ind. (WTHI) - Operation Freedom from Hunger will begin this summer in Knox County in an effort to provide better aid for food pantries and families in need of assistance.

The brainchild of the 2012 graduating class of Leadership Knox County, Freedom from Hunger is intended to encourage donations to local food banks.

During the summer months, food banks normally receive fewer contributions yet demand is higher due to children being out of school.

The official kickoff will be June 23 and the program will continue through July 7. During that time, several Knox County businesses will host drop-off boxes for non-perishable food donations that will be collected and distributed to participating food pantries, including Keruso's Koffeehouse in Bicknell, Oaktown First Christian Church, Blue Jean Center near Monroe City, Lord's Warehouse in Vincennes, Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul in Vincennes, Vincennes Food Pantry and North Knox Social Ministries in Bicknell.

Besides food donations, monetary donations also are encouraged and will be accepted through Dillon Wealth Management. Checks can be mailed to Leadership Knox County/Freedom from Hunger, 1813 Willow St., Suite 4B, Vincennes, IN 47591.