TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Pack the Pickup was an effort Friday in front of Tupelo City Hall to collect food for various organizations around the area.
People came by with non-perishable food items that were placed in the back of pickup trucks.
One of the organizations that benefited was the Tupelo Salvation Army.
"We're getting half the food tonight, which is a blessing. We'll be able to serve that many more families during Christmas and into the new year," said Susan Gilbert, the director of social services for the organization.
Another organization that was part of the effort was the Boy Scouts Pack 109. The scouts have been involved in an initiative called Scouting for Food.
They have been at it for a while now and have helped raise plenty of goods.
"We got one at Kroger. We went to places like that. So, we got a bunch of places we have boxes set up. So if you'll please donate it, we'll be happy to give it to other families," said scout Cody Swindel.
Last year's Pack the Pickup effort filled up the back of four pickups. One more truck had to be brought in, and it was almost filled by one man's donation.
"It's wonderful. I've heard about it every year since y'all have had it out here. It's just a wonderful thing, and I just wanted to give back," said Jeff Finch.
The tradition is picking up, and people's feelings about Pack the Pickup are nothing but positive.
"Oh, I love it. It's great. Last year, we brought our truck, and they loaded it onto our big truck. It's a nice feeling to see all that food and knowing that we can stretch our resources a little further for what the community does for us," said Gilbert.
This year, the goal was exceeded, and the bar will even higher next year.
