Haltom’s Huddle is hosting a canned food drive and will be collecting canned goods until Dec. 15. Haltom is asking for the support of both communities to help with local charities to get food to those in need.

McIntosh County Democrat and Eufaula Indian Journal sports editor Rodney Haltom knows too many times he has seen the hardship of those who are just trying to put food on the table.

“McIntosh County ranks No.4 out of 77 County’s for poverty,” Haltom said. “After covering McIntosh County sports for over 15 years, I have seen too many who I know don’t have much food at home. In fact, I often wonder if all these kids, and not just athletes, are getting to eat a meal when not in school or if they are getting enough to eat. I know of several incidents where a child wasn’t even getting a meal and that’s heartbreaking. We take a lot for granted, but this is an issue that I want to tackle head on and with our communities’ help we can make a difference in these children’s lives by helping a family keep food on the table.

“Our homeless citizens’ population is also growing so that’s why we need to give to our local charities to help feed those in need. If everyone can just give a few cans a week it can make a big difference for those with bare cupboards or pantries.”

Drop off any cans to either newspaper office, the McIntosh County Democrat or the Eufaula Indian Journal.

Local charities in Checotah and Eufaula will receive all the cans collected from Haltom’s Huddle Holiday Food Drive the week before Christmas so hopefully all will have a blessed Christmas.