Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it brings with it a special event—the Holiday Food Harvest.
A long-standing tradition in Branson, the food drive is a team effort between Ozarks Dynacom's group of radio stations and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors, to help combat hunger in our community.
"The event began in the early 1990s, when Family Services approached then Hometown Radio about helping with a food drive," explained Scott McCauley, Ozarks Dynacom News Director. "The event was called Holiday Food Harvest, and was done the day before Thanksgiving, the largest grocery shopping day, annually."
The Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors joined the efforts in 2006, and the two entities work hand-in-hand to collect food and funds for two area nonprofits— Christian Action Ministries and Salvation Army Branson.
This year's Food Harvest, set for Wednesday, November 27, will find volunteers stationed at several area grocery stores, collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., donations will be collected at Country Mart, Rhodes Family Price Chopper and Sunfest Market in Branson; King Food Saver and Walmart Supercenter in Branson West; Country Mart in Forsyth; Country Mart and Harter House in Hollister; and Harter House in Kimberling City.
Donations can also be made online, through any of the Ozarks Dynacom's Radio station websites: legends1063.fm, komc.com, branson4u.com or newcountry1029.com.
"Lists will be available onsite with suggestions on what to donate," McCauley explained. "Cash is always welcome as CAM and Salvation Army can use the money to buy food from Ozarks Food Harvest. One dollar can buy $10 worth of food."
Last year, a total of $20,634 and around three tons of food was collected during the one-day food drive, and the organizers are hoping this year is even better.
The Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors helped bring in even more money after the food drive last year.
Explained McCauley, "Starting in 2020, the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors started a challenge among their members on donations each office makes on their own to the food drive. Through last year's event, the challenge has resulted in $50,733 donated above the food and individual donations that day."
McCauley, the crew at Ozarks Dynacom and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors hope that you will take the opportunity to help your neighbors in need next Wednesday by giving to the Holiday Food Harvest.
Said McCauley, "It is an annual tradition that gives residents a chance to donate to help the area food pantries keep the shelves stocked, as we get into the off-season and into the holidays, with many families being off from their seasonal jobs."
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