Food drives helping food banks during holidays

TULSA - Feeding the hungry is a mission of food banks across Oklahoma, but keeping pantries stocked can be a challenge -- especially during the holidays.

"There's a lot of folks who are working, who are doing absolutely everything society asks of them and still they're coming up short on the food budget," said Eileen Bradshaw, executive director of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Bradshaw says while the hunger situation has improved in Oklahoma, one in four kids in Green Country still goes to bed hungry.

The food bank also says one in 16 senior citizens are forced to choose between medicine and food.

But Bradshaw says food drives like Food 2 Families are bringing relief.

"The Food 2 Families drive is a big assist when it comes to our partner programs throughout the year," said Bradshaw.

Bradshaw said the George Kaiser Family Foundation is also offering a lot of assistance by matching monetary donations up to $100,000.

The donations must come from first-time donors or from previous donors who are increasing their financial gift this year. In addition, the monetary donation must be received by January 30.

Donations of non-perishable food items are still being accepted at any Reasor's or Tulsa Federal Credit Union.