From the office of California State Senator Mike McGuire:

Senator McGuire’s 5th annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive with KHUM Radio and Food For People capped off its most successful event yet last night with final fundraising amounts blowing away all expectations.  

“Our initial stretch goal was to raise $10,000, all to benefit Food for People. We never expected the incredible outpouring of support that we continue to see. High school students rallied, business owners showed up and neighbors donated in droves. Humboldt County has delivered a truly special holiday gift — the gift of food for thousands who are hungry,” Senator Mike McGuire said.

Senator McGuire convenes with some future voters.

More than $45,000 and over 10,000 pounds of food has been donated, thus far, to Food For People during the 5th annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive. Monetary donations continue to flow in at FoodForPeople.org.

Because of the pandemic, the need for food and funds is greater than ever. Six high schools partnered on the Food Drive (Eureka, McKinleyville, Arcata, Fortuna, Ferndale and St. Bernard’s) and they all held various kick off events, food drop-offs, produced videos, made commercials and rallied their classmates to participate in any way they could. The effort of the students was truly inspiring.

“Food for People would like to extend our warmest thanks to all of the local high school students and community members whose support for the 5th annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive surpassed our wildest dreams!” said Anne Holcomb, Executive Director, Food For People. “We had no idea how it would go this year in light of the pandemic and its impact on our communities, but the students rose to the challenge and did so quite impressively. They decided to forego the competition between schools and united on behalf of their community to raise as much food and funds as possible, and they knocked it out of the park! We are so grateful to Senator McGuire for investing so much time and energy into engaging these future leaders in the fight against hunger, and their parents, teachers and advisors should be incredibly proud of what they were able to accomplish. Their efforts will make a huge difference for those who are struggling during this incredibly challenging time.”