The first delivery of packaged meals and canned food items collected through Holiday World’s “Feeding Families Food Drive” will take place this morning in Evansville.

A truck provided by Kimball, International will deliver 20,000 cans and boxes of food to the Tri-State Food Bank, which serves the needy in a 33-county area in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Through the Feeding Families Food Drive, visitors to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in May and June have the opportunity to help those in need and at the same time receive $5 each to spend during their day at the park.

“The economy has hit families in many different ways—some need help while others want to help,” says park president Will Koch. “Our two-month ‘Feeding Families Food Drive’ provides a means for our park guests to help those in need in a four-state area. And we’re giving those generous guests some spending money to use during their visit.”

In May and June, each ticket holder who donates two or more canned food items is given $5 in “Holibucks” to spend in the park that day. Holibucks may be used to purchase meals, snacks, souvenirs and play games at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. The food items collected during the two-month food drive will be donated to food banks in Evansville, Indianapolis, Louisville and Nashville, Tennessee.

“The food banks are asking primarily for shelf-stable meals and high-protein canned goods such as chicken and tuna,” says Koch. “With strong participation, we think up to 200,000 meals could be provided to families in need. We’ve got a good start, but there’s a long way to go.”

Details about the Feeding Families Food Drive are outlined on Holiday World’s website: HolidayWorld.com/Give. The frequently-asked-questions section includes special instructions for group-ticket holders, season pass holders, and the park’s 2,100 employees.

Tags: Holiday World