Area families supported by Newton County Food Basket Brigade

NEOSHO, Mo. — Eight weeks of prep work reaches a positive payoff for a Newton County holiday initiative.

Today was distribution day for the Newton County Food Basket Brigade.

There was quite a line of cars at the Newton County Fairgrounds around 9:00 a.m.

The goal for the 2024 campaign - fulfill the needs of 770 families. Over the last eight weeks - community donations of non-perishable food items were collected.

Those items - plus milk and produce - were handed out beginning at 6:30 this morning - courtesy of a bevy of volunteers.

One of those helping out today was Neosho High School student Chloe Vinson - who says participating in this initiative brings out the spirit of community.

"Honestly, it just shows kind of the community involvement. It shows that, like, truly everyone cares about one another in this city - and it's just, like, an exciting deal. It's truly shown me just like how much some people have struggled before during Christmas time - and I'm glad to be able to help them get food to some families," said Chloe Vinson, brigade volunteer/Neosho HS FBLA president/FFA member.

"It's a near-and-dear project that's very close to my heart. I just, you know, I like helping the area people like this. It's very worthwhile. You see the people come through and they're all very appreciative of it. You're not just throwing dollars at something and hoping that something's going to help, but you actually see this helping the community," said Holly Mitchell, Newton County Food Basket Brigade treasurer.

This is the 37th year for the program.