Category: FFTHCares

New Leadership Search Underway as Food for the Hungry Continues Year-Round Impact

Food for the Hungry is stepping into a new season, and there are some important updates for the Knox County community.

During a recent conversation on WNZR, Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Vice President of the Board of Directors, about a leadership transition and what’s ahead for the organization.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

Executive Director Kathy Brechler is moving into full retirement. While she has served in the role for the past two years, her connection to Food for the Hungry goes back to 2011, when she helped launch the Snowflake Gala. She also created Pantry Partners Access Meetings, bringing local food pantries together to share resources and better serve the community.

As the organization looks ahead, the board is now searching for an Annual Drive and Community Relations Director. This role will oversee the December drive, manage community relationships, coordinate events, and help lead grant programs. The goal is to have someone in place by early summer, with a soft application deadline of April 24th.

At the same time, April is a busy month. The Summer Grant Program is open now through noon on April 30th. These grants support organizations providing meals during the summer, especially for students who no longer have access to school breakfasts and lunches.

It’s a reminder that Food for the Hungry serves Knox County all year long—not just during the holidays.

You can stay connected through their Facebook page or by visiting the website, where you’ll find pantry listings, volunteer opportunities, event information, and applications for both the open position and summer grants.

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Knox County Comes Together to Raise over $260,000 for Food on Food For The Hungry!

Food For The Hungry LIVE and Drive Day on December 12, 2025 was one to remember! From start to finish, the day was filled with generosity, celebration, and community spirit.

Click HERE to hear comments from those associated with the broadcast!

By the end of Drive Day, an incredible $260,465 had been raised along with 12.5 truckloads of food—a powerful reminder of what happens when Knox County comes together. Donors, volunteers, and grant recipients all played a part in making the day such a success, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

To relive the highlights, be sure to watch the recap video created by FFTH volunteer Ben Slater, which perfectly captures the energy and heart behind the event.

Looking ahead, our 2025 Drive Goal is $340,000, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Want to learn more or help make an impact?

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Olivia Stern and Kathy Brechler talk about Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day!

Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day is happening today (12/12)!

Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director, and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food For The Hungry, talk about what today looks like.

They share where most of the funds will be going and how you can get involved. They also give other details about the live broadcast.

For more information about today click HERE!

To watch the live broadcast click HERE!

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Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan share about Food For The Hungry Live!

Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan are both assistant professors of communications at MVNU, and they lead the live broadcast for Food For The Hungry.

They both share what it takes to make this event possible and why they believe that it is important. They also explain the details behind the broadcast.

The Live Broadcast begins on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 A.M. and continues until 5 P.M.

FFTH Live will be available on 100.9 FM and 93.7 HD2 – WMVO, with video stream at www.mvnu.tv and the FFTH YouTube channel. Updates will be given throughout the day on 90.9FM WNZR, 93.7 The Super Q, and FFTH social media. 
FFTH Live will air from the Memorial Theater in Knox Memorial on East High Street in Mount Vernon.

This year’s Broadcast, as always, is a celebration of giving. The Broadcast highlights many community members and organizations presenting their contributions to the Drive. 
The FFTH Winter Grants recipients will be featured throughout the day. FFTH and Psi Iota Xi will also recognize several Knox County school and student collection winners.  

For more information about Food For The Hungry click HERE!

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Kelly Jaeger talks Food For The Hungry with WNZR!

Kelly Jaeger works with WRP CPAs and is also the treasurer for the Food For The Hungry board!

Kelly goes over all of the amazing ways to give and the impact that giving has on the community. She also highlights the donations staying local and how far your dollar can really go.

Click HERE for more info on WRP CPAs!

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Interchurch Social Services’ Director Talks Surging Need, Community Support, and Hope in Knox County

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!

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Interchurch Social Services Danville Serving Need in Eastern Knox County

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!

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FFTH’s Snowflake Gala is Quickly Approaching!

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!

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Brandon Schroepfer tells us about Fire and Ice!

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!

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The KCCC Food for the Hungry Basket Auction 2025 Is Now Live!

Jim Riggle, the Principal of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center, recently chatted with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about this year’s big event.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim has been involved with the basket auction for seven years and shared why it’s such a highlight for the community. The auction officially kicked off at midnight on Cyber Monday, and bidding will wrap up on December 12th.

  • Here is a complete list of the baskets up for bid during the auction!
    • Click HERE for Care Care 1 Basket
    • Click HERE for Care Care 2 Basket
    • Click HERE for the Downtown Date Night Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Family Fun Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Foodies Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Gallagher Center Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Hers basket.
    • Click HERE for the His Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Kid’s Electric Bicycle Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Lashley Training Center Memberships.
    • Click HERE for the Mohican Getaway Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Northern Getaway basket.
    • Click HERE for the OSU Basket.
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 1
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 2
    • Click HERE for the Wood Pellet (1 ton) Basket.

Jim Riggle shared some insights about the Food for the Hungry Basket Auction. He explained how easy it is to check your bids and get involved, and he made sure to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helps make the auction possible.

He also talked about why these baskets are such a big deal. They give students in different Career Center labs a chance to showcase their skills, gain hands-on experience, and have some fun in the process. Jim highlighted how incredible the students are and shared a special moment from the first Chance Application Night, where former students returned to make the evening truly memorable.

Wrapping up, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. He said he feels especially blessed this year and is excited to celebrate 44 years of the Food for the Hungry program. He also reflected on what FFTH’s slogan means to him, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose behind the auction.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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