Indiana kicks off state food drive for needy - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

Indiana kicks off state food drive for needy

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Posted by Rich Miller - email

INDIANAPOLIS (WFIE) - First Lady Cheri Daniels has announced the kickoff of the annual Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers food drive for Indiana state employees.

During the month of February, 65 agencies and 132 divisions throughout state government will coordinate efforts to collect non-perishable items for local food banks.

"We received an overwhelming response to last year's call for donations," said First Lady Cheri Daniels. "I have no doubt that state employees will continue to recognize the importance of helping our fellow Hoosiers in need."

For the 2009 drive, state agencies joined together to collect more than 81,000 food items and raise $9,400 in monetary donations.

Suggested contributions include canned fruits, vegetables and meats as well as soup, rice and pasta.  State government offices around the state have donation boxes located within their individual facilities.

The signature event for the Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers food drive is IndiCANa, a structure building competition with cans. The contest for state employees will be held on Thursday, February 18, in the Indiana Government Center South atrium. First Lady Cheri Daniels will serve as judge for the competition.

Additional information, photos and a list of participating regional food banks will be updated throughout the month at this link: http://www.in.gov/gov/firstlady/2546.htm

The food drive will conclude on February 26.

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