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!
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.
Captain Christine Moretz joins us and talks about the Salvation Army and Food For The Hungry!
She highlights the Salvations Army’s new building as well as what they can do with just a single dollar. Captain Christine also shares about what can happen when generosity is a priority and how amazing it can be if you choose to help.
To learn more about the Salvation Army 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
If you’ve spent any time around Fredericktown during the holidays, you’ve probably heard the name Ann Trudell—and for good reason. She’s responsible for the Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk Online Auction, which is currently in full swing and runs through December 3rd and recently spoke with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.
Ann is also the one coordinating donations, which can be dropped off at the Fredericktown administration building between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Tuesday. This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of themed baskets packed with gift certificates, local services, and all kinds of surprises. Ann happily shares what’s inside and how everyone can get involved.
She also breaks down how the bidding works, how to check if you’ve won, and when winners can pick up their items. One of the best parts? All the money raised stays right here in Fredericktown, supporting community members who need a little extra help. It’s a fun, festive way to give back.
This year’s Christmas Walk theme is “Country Christmas,” and Ann gives a sneak peek at the events planned along the route. She’s especially excited to meet the auction winners—and she may have mentioned she’s looking forward to the food auction, too.
Ann also reflects on what being involved in the Christmas Walk means to her personally. She shares where everything will be located, the best places to park, and how to stay connected with all things Fredericktown throughout the season. And when asked what’s on her own Christmas list? In true Ann fashion: world peace, plus plenty of time with family and friends.
Click HERE to view all the items listed for Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction!
Rise and Shine 