Hutton Broadcasting’s Four Corners radio stations have again made an important contribution to their communities, leading 2023 Stuff the Bus food drives in three cities to bring in donations of almost 5,000 pounds of food to help feed the hungry. In addition to food, cash donations of more than $1,100 and a highly successful blood drive made the three events a resounding success.
The Four Corners stations have been holding Stuff the Bus food drives for more than two decades. The food drive is just one of the many ways these stations support their communities during the holiday season and all year round.
Many community businesses stepped up as sponsors of the project, helping to make it all possible.
Cortez Stations Help Feed the Hungry
In Cortez, Colorado, KRTZ hosted a Stuff the Bus food drive that elicited community donations of more than 1,200 pounds of food for the Good Samaritan Center, a blood drive with donations that doubled Vitalant’s goal, plus $600 in cash donations.
Kelly Turner, director of operations and programming for Hutton Broadcasting, Four Corners Region, said, “We know that the best leaders have a servant mentality, and we’re really honored to help the Good Samaritan Food Pantry stock up heading into their busiest season.”
Durango Tops the Charts
The Durango, Colorado, Stuff the Bus campaign organized by KPTE, KKDG, and KDGO brought in more than 1,900 pounds of food and $500 in cash donations for Manna Soup Kitchen. The event at Albertsons and City Market South in Durango gathered essential food supplies to help feed the hungry and support the local community during the upcoming holiday season.
Tom McCullough, an on-air personality and senior account executive for the Durango Hutton team, said, “The collaboration between KPTE, KKDG, KDGO, and Manna Soup Kitchen highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives, emphasizing the generosity within the Durango community.”
Farmington Beats Last Year’s Record
Not to be outdone, in Farmington, New Mexico, the Stuff the Bus drive led by KISZ, KRWN, KPRT, and KENN brought in more than 1,800 pounds of food to support Echo Food Bank. They exceeded last year’s total by 300 pounds, plus six turkeys were also donated to help feed the hungry in Farmington.
Shawn Kelly, program director of KISZ and KRWN, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from the community, stating, “The dedication and generosity displayed by everyone who participated in Stuff the Bus have truly made a significant impact on our mission to support the Echo Food Bank and assist our neighbors in need. We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support.”
Laura Butziger, executive director of the Echo Food Bank in Farmington, was on hand at the event and thanked the Hutton Broadcasting team in Farmington for always stepping up for this important event and getting the community involved.
Santa Fe Stuff the Bus
Inspired by the Four Corners team, Hutton Broadcasting’s Santa Fe radio stations and SantaFe.com are leading the drive for a Stuff the Bus campaign to benefit The Food Depot, which is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023. It will be held at the Albertsons Market on Zafarano from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with local radio hosts doing live remotes from the event.
Read more about the Santa Fe Stuff the Bus drive to help feed the hungry here.