Press release from the office of Sen. Mike McGuire:

For the seventh year running, Senator Mike McGuire is teaming up with Food for People, KHUM radio and six local high schools for the Humboldt Holiday Food Drive this Thursday. The Food Drive is now one of the largest on the North Coast.

This year the need is more critical than ever. Food For People has seen a 25% increase in those needing help to feed their families.

“Food for People is seeing record demand for food assistance this holiday season,” said Senator McGuire. “Humboldt always steps up and takes care of our neighbors when times are tough, but this year in particular, we need folks to dig deep. Join us this Thursday from 3-6pm and give the gift of generosity or donate online at FoodforPeople.org.”

Last year, Food for People distributed over 2 million pounds of food to low-income households in Humboldt. The need is especially great for thousands of kids. A quarter of those served by Food for People are children who depend on others to have enough to eat.

To gather food and monetary donations, six local high schools (Eureka, McKinleyville, Arcata, Fortuna, Ferndale and St. Bernard’s) have held various kick off events and food drop-offs, produced videos, made commercials and rallied their classmates to participate.

“We’re so incredibly grateful to the hundreds of high school students who are mobilizing to help feed our neighbors in need this holiday season. It’s so inspiring to see. We’re excited to partner with Senator McGuire this Thursday for the Humboldt Holiday Food Drive and we hope the community will turn out to support the students and the life changing work of Food for People,” said Food for People executive director Anne Holcomb.

The schools will be dropping off all of their collected food on Thursday, December 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. during the Humboldt Holiday Food Drive. The public is also encouraged to drop off their own donations of food and funds at the Eureka Safeway or donate online here.