By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Volunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.
The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty.
"We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.
Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand.
"We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."
Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.
Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.
Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.
Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.
If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.
