HARRISON, AR. - Harrison's nonprofit community radio station, KBHQ 100.7 FM (Ozarks Q-ROCK) is once again partnering with HARPS Food Stores in announcing the return of the "Holiday Harvest" Food Drive. Now in its fifth year, this annual partnership aims to support local food pantries across the region, ensuring that all community members have access to nutritious meals during the holiday season.
Since its inception in 2022, the Holiday Harvest has focused on collecting non-perishable food items to assist pantries that experience a significant increase in demand during November and December. This year, the initiative is more critical than ever as families grapple with steadily increasing grocery prices and the rising cost of living.
Michael "Mickey" Klein, Chairman of NAPAC, highlighted the economic challenges facing the community. "We are all feeling the impact of higher prices at the grocery checkout, driven by global instability and escalating fuel costs", Klein stated. "These burdens fall hardest on those with limited or no income. Thanks to our partnership with HARPS Food Stores, KBHQ 100.7 FM can once again call upon our neighbors to give what they can to ensure everyone has a healthier holiday meal."
The success of the program is attributed to the collaborative effort between the radio station and HARPS Food Stores. Klein specifically praised Sarah Thacker, HARPS Director of Marketing, for her role in expanding the drive. While the event originally centered on the Harrison location, HARPS has since opened several stores across the listening area to better serve regional food pantries.
To maximize their reach, KBHQ will host collection events at five different HARPS Food Stores across four counties on the following dates:
Donations will benefit several key organizations, including the Yellville Area Food Closet, the Newton County Christian Food Room in Jasper, the United Methodist Church in Green Forest, and The Mercy Mall in Harrison.
To encourage community participation, HARPS Food Stores will award five $100 grocery gift cards through a random drawing for those who donate food. Additionally, NAPAC is introducing a national sweepstakes this year; donors who contribute food with a value of $25 or more will be entered for a chance to have their rent or mortgage paid for an entire year. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
Last year, "Ozarks Q-ROCK" collected just over 1,000 pounds of food. This year, organizers have set an ambitious goal: they hope to not only surpass last year's total but to match the cumulative 6,000 pounds collected since the program began.
For more information on how to participate, listeners can tune in to KBHQ at 100.7 FM or listen online atwww.qrockfm.com.
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North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition (NAPAC) / The Harrison Post