CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last Friday, News 12 and Lee Company came together to fight hunger through a community food drive.
This morning, News 12 visited the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as Lee Company dropped off all of the nonperishable items that had been collected.
Their hope is that every family in the region will have a warm and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal.
Shannon Moore, the Chief Community Officer at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, said the support means more than many people realize.
“As we are preparing to have a feast together, it is wonderful to know that so many families, thanks to our donors and supporters, get to have this experience too,” she said. “They will sit down on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy a warm and nourishing meal.”
This holiday season, News 12 and Lee Company partnered to hold their annual Thanksgiving food drive.
The effort brought in a large number of donations from employees, customers, and community members.
Nick Shanks, the Home Services Manager for Chattanooga, said the company prioritizes giving back.
“To have an event like this that is so supported by the company as a whole is incredible,” he said. “Everything takes a back seat because this has been about the food drive. It has taken over the company this month.”
With donations continuing to pour in, Shanks said he is grateful to see the community rallying together to make sure no family goes without a holiday meal.
“Just since we have been here dropping off, we have seen multiple people stop to pick up and take goods from the food bank to the locations where they are needed,” he said. “It is refreshing to see a place so in touch with our community. They know exactly where the need is, and they make sure the donations from the last couple of weeks go where they are needed most.”
Shannon Moore said it is an honor to serve families in the community, especially during a season centered around gratitude and togetherness.
“It is the reason I came to work at the food bank,” she said. “It is inspiring to see a community come together to make sure nobody goes hungry during important moments like Thanksgiving. Sharing a meal together is so special.”
Looking at the success of this year’s food drive, Shanks said he hopes the impact will only grow from here.
“We easily doubled what we had in the back,” he said. “I think we could double it again next year. I would love to see what we can do.”
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, both the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Lee Company say they are thankful for a community that continually shows up to support one another.
Their shared goal is simple, making sure every family has a place at the table.
Click here if you are interested in donating before Thanksgiving.
