The Athens County Prosecutor’s office tries to make a difference in Athens by bringing criminals to justice. This week, the office expanded its efforts on a difference fight: one against hunger.
Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn’s office donated canned goods to the Southeastern Ohio Foodbank, an organization located in Logan.
The food going to the Southeast Ohio Foodbank will not only help those in Athens County, but will also aid people in Hocking, Jackson, Meigs and Perry counties, among others, according to a news release from Blackburn’s office.
Blackburn said in the release that he has participated in food drives many times over the years, and has had a very rewarding experience.
“One of the first food drives I was involved in was the Ohio State versus Michigan War Against Hunger and it was a great experience,” he said.
Jay Barrett, felony investigator, victim advocate and diversion director, said Blackburn’s office plans to expand the collection for the Foodbank each year by involving participants of the Diversion Program.
The diversion program is made up of approximately 100 members per year who complete somewhere between 60 and 120 hours of community service during the program, depending on several factors, mostly the offense.
“We would like to have (participants) go out into the community and help collect food at designated collection sights, have them help load the food into trucks and man the sights,” Barrett said in the release.
Kim Withem, an administrative assistant, said in the release that she seconded the idea of continuing the tradition of the food drive based on the successful turnout.
“I thought with it being Thanksgiving week it would be a great cause and it would give us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings by giving to others,” Blackburn said in the release. “I am grateful that my wonderful office staff reached into their pantries or bought food and donated it.”
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@KellyPFisher
