AUGUSTA, Maine — Every year, radio stations bring the world to our ears, but the hosts of the popular morning show on 92 Moose are taking things one step further.
Lizzy Snyder and Matt James, the lively duo behind the microphone, are spearheading Central Maine's largest food drive.
This year, they've set an ambitious goal to stuff an 18-wheeler with non-perishable food items. But that's not all; they're also immersing in their mission by camping out in a parking lot for the entire week.
This annual event is a remarkable effort to combat food insecurity in the region and bring hope to those in need.
The annual food drive is a community-driven event aimed at collecting donations to support Central Maine's Salvation Army.
This year, the event is bigger and better than ever, with the objective of filling a massive trailer truck with food donations.
Not content with simply collecting donations, Snyder and James have taken their commitment to the next level.
They are not only broadcasting their show from a local Sam's Club parking lot but are also camping out there for the entire duration of the event.
"A lot of people that come and donate have been hungry before or haven't been able to feed their kids. So, this is above and beyond; I'd sleep in a tent," Snyder said.
This personal connection to the issue is what drives them to go the extra mile for their community.
All the donations collected during this event go directly to the local Salvation Army, which plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity in Central Maine.
Keith Davis, a representative from the Salvation Army, explains, "The impact this event has on people locally is huge. We have a small food budget at the Salvation Army, and the food we raise here at this event goes from now into next summer."
From Tuesday to Saturday, Snyder and James will be on-site, taking donations from generous individuals and businesses alike.
Last year, they managed to raise about $200,000 worth of non-perishable items, and this year, their goal is to exceed that amount.
"The need keeps getting bigger every year," Snyder said.
"People have to think about whether they are heating their homes or feeding their families, and we want to paint that picture out here of what food insecurity looks like in Maine," added James.
If you'd like to contribute to this cause, you can drop off non-perishable food items at the Sam's Club in Augusta or donate through the 92 Moose app.
Your support can make a significant difference in the fight against food insecurity in Central Maine.