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������ has the goal to collect 8,000 pounds of food during this year’s Make a Difference / Change Hunger food drive. The university’s food drive began Monday, Oct. 8, and will end on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Donations benefit food pantries and homeless shelters in Portage County. Pet food and supplies benefit the Portage County Animal Protective League.

Bins and boxes have been placed in campus departments and buildings to collect donations. Departments that receive donated items after Oct. 23 can drop them off with Mail Services before noon on Friday, Oct. 26.

“With the assistance of Kent State employees, the university has continued to collect more than 5,000 pounds of food every year for the past eight years,” says Vicki Ladd, administrative assistant with Kent State’s Business Administrative Services, who is helping to coordinate the drive. “Every can, every box and every packaged food item makes a difference. Please know that those families (and animals) in Portage County that are served appreciate your efforts.”

Monetary donations, check and cash, will also be accepted.  Checks should be payable to either Change Hunger or Portage County APL. Gift cards should indicate the value on the back of the card (unless the value is pre-printed on the card). All monetary donations should be delivered to Vicki Ladd in Room 232 at the Schwartz Center. Receipts will be given for all monetary gifts.

“Last year, Kent State collected more than 7,000 pounds of food that benefited the hot meal programs and food pantries in Portage County.  This year the need is so great,” says Ann Gosky, senior special assistant, Quality Initiatives and Curriculum at Kent State, and coordinator for the Campus Kitchen at Kent State. “We also have students soliciting in neighborhoods around campus, and who will assist Change Hunger with sorting and delivery to pantries. “

For more information about the food drive, contact Ladd at vladd@kent.edu.