Story by Sgt. 1st class Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
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[caption id="attachment_11686" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state adjutant general, receives a donation from Staff Sgt. Birgit Corriveau during the Boone National Guard Center Christmas Food Drive in Frankfort, Ky. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)"]
FRANKFORT, Ky. – State and federal employees teamed up to help local families during the annual Boone National Guard Center Christmas food drive Dec. 15.
“It really makes us feel good about helping our local communities and spreading holiday joy to those that are less fortunate,” said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, state adjutant general. "This is just another way the Kentucky National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs gives back."
Boone Center staff handed off their donations at the front gate to Family Program members, filling four truckloads. Nearly one ton of non-perishable items was collected, along with more than $850 in cash.
“I donated today to show my appreciation and gratitude toward our local communities that support us,” said Spc. LuWanda Knuckles, Kentucky National Guard enlisted branch specialist.
[caption id="attachment_11687" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Staff Sgt. Paul Hunt helps Maj. Judith Brown unload food from her van for the Boone National Guard Center Christmas food drive in Frankfort, Ky. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)"]
The local charities receiving donations included the Frankfort Salvation Army, the Coalition of Committed Christians Food Pantry (Access Soup Kitchen) and Open Hands Food Pantry in Lawrenceburg.
“We appreciate the Kentucky National Guard for protecting our country and we can’t say enough about their donations to help feed our community,” said Andrew Baker, Access Soup Kitchen executive director.
[caption id="attachment_11688" align="alignleft" width="270" caption="Chief Warrant Officer Larry Arnett drops off donations at the Access Soup Kitchen in Frankfort, Ky. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)"]
