News Release

WARSAW — Combined Community Services is hosting its annual Food-A-Thon, a community-driven initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among Kosciusko County residents.

The event is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at the CCS office, located at 1195 Mariners Drive, Warsaw.

Many households in the community are struggling to feed their families from week to week. Combined Community Services currently has more than 800 households visiting the food pantry each month, a number that is on the rise from 2023.

Households who visit the pantry are coming in the aftermath of various struggles including inflation, loss of job, family crisis, addiction and health concerns.

Through Food-A-Thon, Combined Community Service aims to stock its pantry and bridge the gap in needed donations, ensuring that it can continue to serve the community effectively. Although the staff at CCS works to secure grants and donations, many times this year the food pantry shelves have become empty, and CCS has been desperate for community members to contribute, according to a news release from Combined Community Services.

CCS welcomes donations of any amount, with a request that all donations be unexpired or nonperishable goods. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life in Kosciusko County. All donations received during the event will support the mission of CCS to assist neighbors in need in Kosciusko County.

The following items can be donated: bread, pasta, rice, beans, canned fruit, rice pudding, coffee, long life milk, Ovaltine, tea, juice, cake, macaroni and cheese, soups, pasta sauce, pancake mix, syrup, Pop-Tarts, oatmeal, box dinners, cereal, honey, jam, peanut butter and other canned items.

Also needed are diapers, baby wipes, unopened baby formula, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.

Monetary donations are also welcome.

CCS says people can follow the Food-A-Thon on Facebook at facebook.com/@ccsgives and share about the event so even more people know how to get involved.

For any questions or further information about the Food-A-Thon 2024, contact Combined Community Services at (574) 269-6019 or visit ccsgives.com/foodathon.

Combined Community Services is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to Kosciusko County residents experiencing food insecurity.