Guilderland, NY — Every holiday season the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York sets up shop inside the common area of Crossgates looking for donations to feed the hungry in the Capital Region.
Known as the Holiday Hunger Appeal, the event is in its 32nd year and is the Food Bank’s largest public fundraiser. Passing shoppers in the mall contribute monetary donations, which are matched by sponsors such as Berkshire Bank, Hannaford, and other area businesses. Additionally, the appeal also incorporates a holiday pin up and donation box program, which helped the food bank raise over $400,000 last year.
Jessica Tanner, special events manager at the food bank who coordinates the Holiday Hunger Appeal, says that on an average day the food bank raises approximately $1,000 at the mall. Recently the Times Union Student News Desk visited the appeal to see just how generous shoppers are this holiday season.
The funds raised by the Holiday Hunger Appeal will help provide food and services to the 23 counties served by the food bank.
-Dylan Rossiter/Times Union Student News Desk
