Food drive to benefit Highland County food banks

Operation Feed, an area food drive initiative, will hold a fundraiser Saturday, March 27 at the Highland County Family YMCA in Hillsboro.

Organized by Rick Hughes, activities will include inflatable "bounce houses," door prizes, a large slide, games and chair massages. Concessions will be available, including cotton candy and homemade ice cream.

"It's a collaboration of citizens trying to help Highland County," Hughes said. "Other places like Clinton County and the Wilmington area are getting help from all sorts of places, like (talk show host) Rachael Ray. I think she sends so much food every month. Highland County hasn't got much of any help. We're going to be distributing food to Highland County food banks."

Hughes said he is hoping to raise enough money March 27 to make ends meet for area food shelters between other major fundraisers. 

Operation Feed sponsored food drives in area schools, with great success Hughes said, and in May the United States Post Office is sponsoring another food drive.

Hughes said that though the people of Highland County are facing difficult times, they are still giving back to those in need. 

"When we went into the schools, the amount of food we got was amazing," Hughes said. "We tried to teach the kids to do it not for the prizes, but to help their neighbors out. Some of the schools did really well. New Vienna brought in 1,700 items and there are only 300 kids. Bright Local Elementary brought in 2,400 items and they only have 600 students. We've brought in about 9,000 items total, and we're not finished yet.

"We have found a place where we can get food for 10 cents an item," Hughes said. "If we could raise $1,000, which is my goal for Saturday, it would be a big difference."

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.