By Charissa Graves
Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—On Nov. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m., 21 Reno County churches will be open for the eighth annual “We’ll Leave Our Lights On” Thanksgiving food drive, with donations going to the Food Bank of Reno County. The drive was started eight years ago by a poverty coalition that several churches attended.
“Ending hunger in Reno County isn’t a job for one church or one organization,” drive coordinator Beth Southern said. “It takes a group who believe that together we can make a difference.”
The Food Bank of Reno County suggests non-perishable dry or canned goods such as pasta, peanut butter, pancake mix, rice, cereal, and canned meats, soups, and produce.
“Together,” Southern said, “each church will be shining their lights, making a difference for our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.”
For those unable to donate food, monetary donations to the Food Bank of Reno County are encouraged and “gratefully accepted.”
“YOU can make a difference by loving your neighbor and helping to refill the empty shelves at the Food Bank of Reno County.”
Participating Churches:
Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite; 7213 W. Mills Ave., Hutchinson
Center Amish Mennonite; 7611 W. Morgan Ave., Hutchinson
Community Church of The Brethren; 1600 N. Severance St., Hutchinson
Crossroads Christian; 4310 N. Monroe St., Hutchinson
Emanuel Lutheran; 140 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson
Faith United Methodist; 820 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson
First Congregational; 3410 N. Plum St., Hutchinson
First Mennonite; 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson
First Presbyterian; 201 E. Sherman St., Hutchinson
First United Methodist; 101 E. 1st Ave., Hutchinson
Grace Episcopal; 2 Hyde Park Drive, Hutchinson
Holy Cross Catholic Church; 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson
Journey Mennonite; 808 S. Poplar St., South Hutchinson
Macedonia Baptist; 1015 E. 7th Ave., Hutchinson
New Covenant Presbyterian; 700 E. 25th Ave., Hutchinson
Park Place Christian; 2600 N. Adams St., Hutchinson
Plainview Mennonite; 5610 W. Trail West Rd., Hutchinson
Tenth Avenue United Methodist; 300 W. 10th Ave., Hutchinson
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; 518 E. 43rd Ave., Hutchinson
Trinity United Methodist; 1602 N. Main St., Hutchinson
Word of Life Mennonite Church; 4 N. Valley Pride Road, South Hutchinson