Katie Frazier is the Branch Manager for Interchurch Social Services in Fredericktown!
She joins us and shares how their numbers have grown, how you can help them, and some of the amazing things going on in their ministry! She also highlight Food For The Hungry and why you should get involved.
To learn more about Interchurch Social Services click HERE!
Interchurch Social Services Executive Director Carolyn Fergus recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about the growing need they’re seeing across Knox County.
Click HERE to hear the full interview!
Fergus, who has been with Interchurch for three and a half years and oversees all four branches, says the number of families asking for help has more than tripled since last year. So far in 2025, Interchurch has already provided more than 189,000 meals, a number she says shows just how challenging things have become for many local families.
Right now, Fergus says volunteers are their biggest need. Some days, the Mount Vernon pantry alone serves up to 50 families, which puts a huge strain on their team. Mount Vernon has seen the largest spike in need, but thankfully the other branches have been able to step in and support where they can.
Fergus also shared the story behind the two pop-up food distributions they held this fall. These events were created to help people who couldn’t get to their main locations but still needed immediate support.
Donations continue to be important, especially canned goods like beans, which always seem to run out quickly. Fergus pointed out that even small financial gifts go a long way—every $1 donated turns into about $4.56 worth of food through their partnerships.
Interchurch offers more than food, too. Fergus talked about the other services they provide, including rental and deposit assistance, help with utilities and prescriptions, gas vouchers, and more. She’s already looking ahead to 2026 and hopes they’ll be able to expand their storage space to meet the rising demand.
When asked how people can pray for them, Fergus mentioned rest for their volunteers, patience, and the ability to show Christ’s love to everyone who walks through their doors. She’s been connected with Food For The Hungry almost since its beginning and says she’s passionate about serving local missions.
Fergus ended the conversation with a story that gives a glimpse into the lives of the people Interchurch serves. She hopes more people will get involved, reminding listeners that everyone deserves a good meal—and to know that someone cares. She says Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors,” perfectly captures why this work matters so much to her.
Click HERE to learn more about Interchurch Social Services!
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
Cindy Martin, Branch Manager with the Danville Branch of Interchurch Social Services talks with WNZR’s Eric Brown about her role in the organization and their ministry.
Click HERE to hear the full interview!
She has served the ministry since 1998, volunteered for 9 years then became manager in 2019. She talks about the changes in the economy has made getting items much harder, stretching dollars.
She shares several numbers including in 2024, they served 17,514 meals equating to 1,946 people, to date in 2025, they have served 15, 867 meals equating to 1,763 people this year. She adds what the biggest needs are in Danville including: loaves of bread, boxed meals, canned foods and other non-perishable foods. She adds that any monetary donations are used to getting frozen meat to distribute.
Cindy says the among the Food For The Hungry’s Top 10 ten list she points to condiments among the most desired items, because they are rarely donated.
She talks about how Interchurch can take $1 and turn it into $4.56 worth of food and how Food For The Hungry donations help in more ways than just providing food.
Cindy talks about the Danville’s branch silent Wreath and Home Décor Auction going on through December 12th at the Danville Branch of Park National Bank. There are five different items to bid on including a wreath featuring ice skates that are over 50 years old. All items may be viewed in-person during regular business hours. All proceeds benefit Food For The Hungry and Interchurch Social Services Danville Branch.
She says that the best way to pray for their staff is to give them the ability to do what they do.
Finally, she explains what the slogan, “Food For The Hungry, Working Together to Care For Our Neighbors,” means to her which includes that people should share and share alike.
Click HERE to find out more about Interchurch Social Services!
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
Joely Lepley, chair of the Fredericktown Christmas Walk committee, recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to chat about what goes into pulling off one of the community’s most beloved traditions.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
As the lead organizer, Joely helps guide committee meetings and keep everything on track leading up to the big day on December 6th. The theme, as always, is the warm and familiar “A Country Christmas.”
During the conversation, Joely highlighted the wide variety of activities planned for this year’s walk. Beyond the festive fun, she explained that the event plays an important role in supporting Fredericktown families, with funds raised being distributed to several local charities.
When asked about her favorite part of the Christmas Walk, Joely admitted she can’t choose just one—what she really loves is seeing the entire community come together in the Christmas spirit. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, deepening her sense of connection to the town.
Joely also shared gratitude for the committee members, generous donors, and everyone who shows up year after year to make the Christmas Walk possible. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. along Main Street in Fredericktown, and she offered tips on the best spots to find parking so visitors can easily join the fun.
And her Christmas wish? A happy, healthy holiday season for all.
Click HERE to learn more about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk
Christmas preparations are underway and some of you may have already started your baking. In honor of the great bakers, we are going to talk about Christmas Cookies!
For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts will share their favorite Christmas Cookie.
We have been talking about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk all week.
Today on the Morning Thing, Kristine Lindemann shared about the gingerbread house contest!
She talked about what the contest normally looks like and where it is located. Kristine also explains what she is most looking forward to this Saturday and shared some other details about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk!
The Fredericktown Christmas Walk is happening this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
To find more information about the event click HERE!
We have been talking about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk all week.
Today on the Morning Thing, we got the chance to talk with Cecelia McClelland about the Crafter and Vendor Fair!
The fair takes place at the Fredericktown Presbyterian Church right by the gazebo. Cecelia shared what she is most looking forward to this Saturday and shared some other details about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk!
The Fredericktown Christmas Walk is happening this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
To find more information about the event click HERE!
This year’s 15th Annual Snowflake Gala is shaping up to be something truly special. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Amy Quinlivan, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee; Bruce Jacklin, this year’s William A. Stroud Jr. Award for Community Service honoree; and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food for the Hungry, to talk about everything guests can expect on Saturday, December 13th at Kenyon College’s Lowry Center.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
The Gala’s theme—Old Hollywood—has everyone eager to bring a little vintage sparkle to the evening. Bruce in particular can’t wait to share a bit of the classic glamour he loves. Kathy added that the evening’s meal will be catered by Stuart Washington from the Knox County Career Center’s Culinary Arts Department. The menu was even planned with Bruce in mind—nothing too messy for a tux! And yes, dessert will definitely be worth saving room for.
Entertainment this year comes from the Knox Community Jazztet, returning after a wonderful performance last year. Bruce shared a bit about the musicians involved, while Amy walked through the evening’s agenda, which kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails. There will also be an Old Hollywood-style red carpet, wine throughout the evening, and a silent auction with some standout items.
Kathy emphasized how impactful the auction is: every $1 donated equals $4.56 of food purchasing power through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She also took a moment to honor both long-time partners and individuals who have supported Food for the Hungry since its founding in 1982.
One of the highlights of this year’s Gala is honoring Bruce Jacklin, whose service to the community—and his founding of MTVArts in 2007—made him an easy and heartfelt choice for the Stroud Award. Bruce shared a touching story about William A. Stroud, reflected on how humbling the recognition feels, and talked about why community service continues to be such a driving force in his life.
Amy also highlighted the evening’s co-hosts, whom Bruce has known and mentored since their grade-school days on stage. Kathy offered gratitude for the many people who have shaped the event over the years, including some who are no longer here but remain part of the Gala’s legacy.
Tickets are available now—but only until Friday, December 5th—at FoodfortheHungryCares.org. Tables seat eight guests for $1,000, and donations can also be made online. Amy thanked the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes, while Bruce reflected on how the Gala has evolved year after year. Kathy ended with a nod to the wine offerings and a heartfelt thank-you to the Career Center team for their continued support.
As always, this event comes back to one shared message: “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors.” Amy, Bruce, and Kathy all shared what that slogan means to them—and they hope to see you on December 13th to celebrate community, generosity, and a little Old Hollywood sparkle.
Click HERE for the the Food For The Hungry’s Snowflake Gala!
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
Brandon Schroepfer is the Natural Resource Manager for the Knox County Park District.
He shared details about Fire and Ice which is happening this Saturday at Millwood Church of Christ and Honey Run Park.
This event helps support Food For The Hungry and Brandon explained how you can help!
For more details about the event click HERE!
For more details about the Knox County Park District click HERE!
Jamie Sanders is in charge of the Christmas tree decorating competition at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
He shares details about the contest and talks about the prizes. Jamie also highlights some of the other events that are happening!
To find more information about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk click HERE!
Rise and Shine 