Category: News

How United Way of Knox County Is Making a Difference—One Donation at a Time

Katie Ellis, Director of the United Way of Knox County, recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to share an update on this year’s United Way campaign—and the impact it continues to have across the county.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Katie says the community response has been encouraging. Support continues to come in through individual donations and employer matching programs, helping push the campaign close to the $400,000 mark. The overall goal this year is $1.1 million, and while there’s still work to do, the momentum is strong.

She also took time to explain the heart behind the United Way’s mission. With so many organizations working together under one umbrella, United Way helps strengthen local nonprofits while supporting each group’s individual goals. Many of these organizations serve Knox County families in different ways, and the need for their services continues to grow.

One common misconception, Katie says, is that the United Way campaign ends at the close of the calendar year. In reality, the campaign runs through March 31st, giving supporters more time to get involved and make an impact.

Several United Way partner organizations have been serving the community for generations. Thanks to continued support, many have been able to expand their services and reach even more people in need.

Katie highlighted United Way’s three focus areas: education, healthy living, and financial stability. The goal isn’t just to help families survive, but to help them truly thrive. By addressing the greatest needs in the community, United Way works to create long-term, meaningful change.

She also emphasized education around healthy living and financial stability, noting that many programs supported by United Way help people “turn the corner” and, in some cases, completely change their lives.

For those who haven’t given before, Katie encourages taking that first step. Every donation matters—large or small. She notes that even $2.50 a month can help make a difference for someone in Knox County.

To learn more about the United Way of Knox County and its partner organizations, you can find them on Facebook at Live United Knox County or visit UWayKnox.org.

0

Have Your Kids Help Reduce Holiday Stress

If your house is full of kids with extra energy and you’re feeling the pressure of a long holiday to-do list, you’re not alone.

The Christmas season can be joyful, but it can also be overwhelming when it feels like everything is on your shoulders.

That’s why iMOM.com suggests letting kids be part of the holiday prep. With simple, age-appropriate tasks, kids get to contribute, feel proud of their role, and help make Christmas meaningful — and parents get a little breathing room along the way.

Earlier on The Morning Thing Monday, we shared a list of holiday helper ideas broken down by age to make it easy to get everyone involved.

Click HERE to see the full list from iMOM.com

0

Prayers to Help Fill Family’s Hearts During Christmas

December can feel overwhelming for families. Gifts to buy and wrap, cards to send, cookies to bake, houses to clean, decorations to hang, and recitals to attend—just when one task is finished, another takes its place.

This season, consider moving something down the list and adding one simple but powerful practice: Christmas prayer. Taking time to pray—daily or even weekly—can help you stay focused on what truly matters. Prayer brings peace, eases stress, and shifts the focus away from perfection and toward joy.

The iMOM Christmas Prayers is designed to help you do just that. Each prayer centers on meaningful themes like joy, peace, and hope, paired with a Bible verse that connects those words to the life of Jesus. It’s a gentle reminder of the gifts we already have—today and every day.

These prayers are perfect for kids, too, and come in three beautifully designed options. If you’re looking for ways to pray together as a family, check out iMOM’s 10 Ways to Teach Your Child to Pray for simple, encouraging ideas.

Click HERE to see the complete list from iMOM!

0

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!

0

WNZR talks with Captain Christine Moretz from the Salvation Army!

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!

0

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!

0

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!

0

Chair’s Heartfelt Look at the 25th Annual Fredericktown Christmas Walk

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

0

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!

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑