The Keweenaw is doing its part in TV6's Canathon
HANCOCK -- With a collection truck outside and multiple bags waiting to be picked up inside, it was indeed only the beginning of a very long, but important, day.
These boxes and bags are just a few of the numerous donations students and residents of the Keweenaw have contributed to TV6's 2011 Canathon.
"We're going to drive around to all the different schools from Chassell to South Range, Houghton and Hancock. Yesterday we collected just over a ton," said Eagle Radio Office Manager Deborah Hilscher.
The Canathon's effort is to help feed those less fortunate.
A recent survey done by the United States Department of Agriculture found that more than 48 million Americans are at risk for hunger, and it is increasing at an alarming rate.
"The economy, that's always a big factor, and our economy keeps getting worse, but the people just keep getting better and better at donating," Hilscher said.
Other studies have shown that some people who donated food in the past have now become the ones in need.
The food collected today filled the pantries of the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and Little Brothers in Hancock.
The shelves are finally starting to fill up and with the TV6 Canathon coming to a close, those with food pantries say donations are always welcome, and no matter what people may choose to give, it will always go to people in need.
"If we do get an overabundance of, let's say, corn or beans or something like that, what we do is we put it on our free table downstairs and people can come in and just take whatever they need," said Salvation Army volunteer Jeanne Bezotte.
This Thursday is the final collection day, and that means there is still plenty of time to donate non-perishable food items to the local pantries around the Copper Country.
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