Volunteers unite for Newton County's 37th Annual Food Basket Brigade

NEOSHO, Mo. — Hundreds of volunteers gathered at the Neosho Fairgrounds this morning to help collect food items for the 37th Annual Newton County Food Basket Brigade.

Volunteers began the morning going door to door around the city collecting the items, then met back at the Newton Fairgrounds to organize.

The items they collected were things like cornbread mix, baked beans, ramen noodles, peanut butter, jelly, and soup.

Along with the door-to-door collection, donations also came from schools and local businesses.

The goal was to provide 770 families in need a Christmas dinner and two weeks of staples.

"It was impactful as a kid to see the families in need and to be able to help. And now, as an adult, understanding more of that need and the way that this could… it needs new leadership, needs people to take it and run with it," said Spencer Dobbs, Food Basket Brigade distribution day organizer.

"Some years I get a thank-you note as they drive through or we appreciate you so much, or whenever they sign up, they'll tell me, you know, we couldn't do it without you. So, it is it's very fulfilling," said Ann Hamlet, Newton County Food Basket Brigade committee member.

Those baskets will be distributed next Saturday beginning at 6:30 in the morning at the Newton County Fairgrounds.

Perishable items like milk and produce will be collected just before pickup.