Event will be Saturday, Dec. 16, at Dawson Springs Elementary School

FRANKFORT (Dec. 11, 2023) - Kentucky Dream Center and Virginia-based disaster relief group Mercy Chefs are partnering with The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, The National Pork Board, Dawson Springs Family Resource Youth Service Center, Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, and Dawson Springs Rotary Club to provide a little something extra this holiday season to Western Kentucky families who were affected by disastrous events in 2021.

“Any natural disaster can quickly dash the hopes of those affected,” Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles said. “The tornadoes in December 2021 created a path of destruction that some are still cleaning up and recovering from today. The simple gesture of a box of groceries during the holiday season can bring about that spark of hope that we all need when we are going through a loss. It was our immense pleasure to partner with these fine organizations to make this event happen.”

The event, made possible by the Mercy Chefs’ "Send Hope Home" initiative, will benefit those affected by the December 2021 tornado with a simple goal to “send hope home” by distributing grocery boxes just in time for the holidays. Mercy Chefs is a global non-profit disaster response group that specializes in feeding people affected by disaster.

“We’re grateful for our partners and teams of volunteers that help provide hope in times of need,” said Kentucky Dream Center Executive Director Christina Garrott. “We are blessed to be given this opportunity to lift up our neighbors and ease their burden during the holiday season.”

“This community has been through a lot in the past two years,” said Joel Cauley, Mercy Chefs’ director of Church Partnerships and organizer of the grocery box drive-through. “We know firsthand that the impact of terrible storms lasts for years, which is why we keep serving in Western Kentucky. We’ve seen tremendous resolve, but we’ve also seen families in need. We want to remind everyone they are not forgotten and hope our Family Grocery Boxes make things a little easier as they enjoy the holiday season.”

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at Dawson Springs Elementary School, 317 Eli St. in Dawson Springs, KY. The grocery boxes, complete with proteins, fresh produce, pantry staples, and simple recipes, enough to serve 20 meals, will be distributed drive-thru style. Everyone within the community is encouraged to attend.

The produce-featured grocery boxes will be complemented with Kentucky Legend hams and bacon provided by SFG Specialty Foods Group, LLC out of Owensboro.