City of Ottumwa organizes community food drive with donation boxes

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) – Donation boxes are appearing across city buildings in Ottumwa as two city employees work to address growing food insecurity in the community.

Cameo Lathrop, a city employee, said the initiative began with a simple approach to help families during the holiday season.

“We got together made some calls, she dropped me off some boxes and then I was able to put those out to each building,” Lathrop said. “We just wanted to help people especially this time of year to be able to get the food and the meals that they need to feed their families.”

The food drive will continue through the end of the year, giving residents more time to donate as demand for food assistance increases during the holidays.

Lathrop said using city facilities as drop-off locations makes it easier for people to make donations at places frequently visited.

“So, it’s just really easy for us I think to have those facilities be the drop off spots and then that way they can get a hold of us directly,” Lathrop said. “Like we already had the need of needing more boxes.”

Partnering with Food Bank of Iowa, Lathrop said she had seen increased demand for food supplies during the holiday season.

Organizers said even small donations can make a significant impact.

“I think that’s really important to me because every child should be fed and we have a lot of families that silent suffer out there and I think food banks are something that really help alleviate an issue that’s very prevalent,” Lathrop said. “So, if we can do just a little bit, I think that’s where our hearts are at.”

Donation boxes are available at the following locations:

Ottumwa City HallOttumwa Public LibraryPublic Works FacilityOttumwa Regional AirportOttumwa Cemetery and Parks & Recreation OfficeOttumwa/Wapello County LandfillOttumwa Recycling CenterThe Beach OttumwaCentral Fire Station (North Wapello Street)Wapello County Law Enforcement CenterBridge View Center

Canned goods and other non-perishable food items are requested. All proceeds will be given to support local organizations assisting those facing food insecurity.