MACON, Ga. — You helped us Stuff the Truck by donating 61,208 pounds of food and $8,740.45 in monetary donations.
Now, the stuff from the truck is on its way to feed families during the Thanksgiving holiday.
About 85,000 food-insecure folks living in Central Georgia depend on the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.
"Not only did you feel that concern, you acted on it and you brought us a whole lot of food that we were able to get out to our community," President and CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank Kathy McCollum said.
For Angela Denson, who manages the food pantry in Bellevue at the Link Baptist Church, she says the help goes a long way.
"It has made a difference," Denson said.
She helps feed kids after school, as well as their friends and family in need.
Oftentimes, she said, it's the only place the neighborhood kids can get the nourishment they need.
"They stop by knowing that somebody's there to give 'em those fruits, and to give 'em their hug before they go home," Denson said.
And McCollum says that the impact of not having food can be incredibly far-reaching.
"Without food, parents can't go to work," McCollum said, emphasizing the needs of food-insecure families. "Without food, a child who goes to school can't really study and learn."
Denson says her purpose is to do what she can to change that.
"We want them to be fed, but we also want them to stay healthy," she elaborated.
They replaced sugary sweets, snacks and drinks with water and fruits at the food pantry, she says, so folks can live healthier lifestyles.
"Food is just one of those basic elements that just makes a society work," McCollum said.
With the money you helped raise and the food you donated, the food bank can now provide almost 120,000 meals to folks in Central Georgia.
This year, 13WMAZ helped collect a record amount of donated food — 107% more than last year, to be exact!
"Know that your time and donations are not in vain and are truly meeting the needs of those who need it," Denson said.
For everyone who donated, McCollum said that the donations really make a difference for those in our community.
"You really showed your concern, your empathy for our neighbors that need help," McCollum added.
Denson says she is "tremendously grateful and thankful" for how the Central Georgia community came together for the noble cause.
"I pray that the Lord will bless them tremendously, so they can continue to give and be a part of stuff the truck," Denson said. "People really value what they're doing. I value, my church values, the neighborhood values. I just pray that they continue to let God to turn their hearts so that it means something to them."
If you didn't get a chance to help stuff the truck, you can still donate to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.
It collects donations year-round; for every $10 donation, the food bank can provide 80 meals to families.
You can visit the food bank's website for more.