Local organizations work together to help feed 800 hungry families

Volunteers moved boxes and loaded cars during a previous food drop to aid hungry families. (Photo: Contributed)

Several local organizations will join together Thursday to feed an estimated 800 hungry families in Chattanooga.

Volunteers for the event, which will take place at The Crossing Church, will distribute food from 9 to 11 a.m. to families in need.

Those who would like to receive food at the distribution must pick up a voucher prior to Thursday at one of three locations:

—The Newton Child Development Center, 1301 Grove St.

—The Chattanooga Community Kitchen, 727 E. 11^th St.

—The Salvation Army, 2140 E. 28^th St.

Each family will be given a box of food and a box of personal hygiene items in exchange for their voucher. Vehicles picking up food for multiple families must have multiple vouchers.

“Hunger will cease to be a problem in America when we refuse to allow our neighbors to go hungry,” said Tom Henry, executive director of Feed America First, which is coordinating the food distribution with the help of OneGenAway.

The food and personal hygiene items will be supplied through the Feed the Children's Nashville distribution center and were paid for by a Chattanooga company that wishes to remain anonymous.

Several dozen volunteers are needed for the event, and the public is invited to help distribute food and direct traffic.

Volunteers are asked to be able to arrive at 8 a.m. and may be needed as late as noon.

For more information on vouchers or how to volunteer, contact Tom Henry at 615-512-5915 or via email at tomhenry@feedamericafirst.com.