Bucks Knocks Out Hunger Hits Big Goal

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — A drive to fight hunger in Bucks County landed a big punch on Monday, hitting its fundraising goal.

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, the United Way of Bucks County's annual hunger-fighting initiative, achieved its goal of $85,000 raised from individuals, businesses and civic groups. The campaign kicked off on May 3.

"We’re really so grateful for the generous support of so many from Bucks County," said Tim Philpot, the United Way's project coordinator for Bucks Knocks Out Hunger. "While Bucks Knocks Out Hunger enjoys strong support from our corporate partners, it’s really individual donations, some small and some large, that make BKO possible."

This year's total was an increase from 2018, when the goal was $80,000 and only achieved with the help of a last-minute grant. This year, organizers say, giving was strong throughout the entire campaign, which hit its goal just 10 days after its annual volunteer food-packing event.

On June 21-22, volunteers from across the county packed meals at Bucks County Community College.

Funds raised through Bucks Knocks Out Hunger support dozens of local food pantries, providing dairy, produce, meats and more than 150,000 nutritious, shelf-stable meals.

"Funds raised from BKO allow us to purchase food items that are not normally donated to food pantries, such as eggs and dairy," said Heather Foor, food program manager at Bucks County Opportunity Council. "Eggs are loaded with high-quality proteins and vitamins and are one of the most requested items from pantry visitors."

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger accepts donations year-round to fight hunger. They can be made online at the program's page on the United Way website, dropped off at any Penn Community Bank or mailed to the UW Bucks office at 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with the subject line "Bucks KO Hunger."

For more information about the United Way of Bucks County, visit its website.