Hunger Task Force kicks off annual holiday food drive, event goes virtual for the second year

 

WEST MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force launched its annual holiday food drive on Friday, Oct. 1. 

Pallet by pallet, volunteers geared up for the busy season at Hunger Task Force's (HTF) warehouse. 

Hunger Task Force starts the season early, hoping to feed thousands of families throughout the holiday season. 

The event is going virtual for the second year in a row, making it easy for anyone to host a food drive.

"At the holidays we always, always want to make sure there's turkey on the table, ham on the table, said Sherrie Tussler, HTF executive director. 

From turkey and stuffing to apple pie, it's the food that brings people together and makes the holidays special. HTF wants to make sure no family has to miss out on that.

"It all started during a recession period that happened more than 40 years ago," said Tussler. The event has grown to the successful food drive it is today.

"I've participated in many food drive campaigns, typically bringing in my own non-perishable items to the office," said Amy Mutziger, the vice president of business transformation at Johnson Controls. 

Mutziger and her colleagues are embracing the new virtual model. They kicked off their food drive last week. 

"Within one week we raised over $9,000," said Mutziger. 

You can host a food drive with your family, coworkers or friends too. 

If your family needs help this holiday season, you can reach out to the Hunger Task Force to be a recipient of a holiday meal.