Local Businesses Give Back to Community

ATHENS, OH – For the second consecutive year, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has made a $1000 donation to the Athens area chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). The donation will receive a one hundred percent match in funds from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife to provide $2,000 of aid to local food banks.

“We know that hunters are committed not only to their sport, but to the concept of giving back to those less fortunate” stated Wendy Jakmas, President of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. “On behalf of our members, we are pleased to donate to Farmers and Hunters Feed the Hungry and to show our support for the sportsmen and women who live in and travel to Athens County. It is our hope that in turn these hunters will look for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce logo and support the businesses that so generously support the well being of Athens County families in need and this commendable initiative.”

Monies donated to the FHFH program assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. Local FHFH coordinator Barbara Rountree has seen a definite difference that monetary and deer donations have made in the local community. Last year, 209 deer were donated to the Southeast Ohio chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Athens County food pantries and soup kitchens received 87 of those deer, totaling 4,350 pounds of ground venison.

Rountree stated, “This program is only successful because of the support and the partnerships in our community. Without any one of the hunters, food banks, food pantry volunteers, local deer processors and financial donors such as the Athens Chamber of Commerce and their members, none of this important work would be possible.”

Pictured in the photo (left to right):
Betsy Baringer Ohio University Inn and Conference Center), Gloria Hooper The Hampton Inn and Suites), Barbara Six Wood Spirit Cabins), Guy Philips AthensNEWS), Barbara Rountree Chapter Coordinator for SE OH FHFH), Thomas Donnelly Law Enforcement Supervisor OH Division of Wildlife), Wendy Jakmas President Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, and Susie Vance Wildlife Communications Specialist OH Division of Wildlife).

photo: www.danielleanthony.com