
Our History

For many years, the drive has been led by a partnership between local businesses known as the Legacy Partners. Representatives from these partners guide the Drive Coordinator - a community member dedicated to coordinating the many community volunteers and activities that make this drive a success. Food For The Hungry is MANY EVENTS culminating into a one day simulcast (broadcast on radio and streaming online)
– December 14, 2019.
Food For The Hungry began as a food and money drive on WMVO radio to benefit Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army in 1982. Longtime WMVO morning show host Charlie Kilkenny started the drive with the help of his wife, Carol, and businesses at the Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza (now the Kroger Plaza). Mount Vernon Cablevision joined in sponsoring the drive the next year. The drive grew into a partnership between the radio stations and other media (WNZR and Mount Vernon News) in 1995, and added Mount Vernon Nazarene University (who sponsored a basketball tournament) and the accounting services of Nelson & Nelson one year later.

Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award

The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is given each year during the Food For The Hungry drive to a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies the spirit of community service, especially in regards to Food For The Hungry. The award is given in memory of Stephen Zelkowitz, former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision. As a community leader in various charitable events, Stephen led the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County along with Charlie Kilkenny.
Previous Recipients
2021
Kathy Lake
2020
Corby Wise, Joshua Worster, Joshua Morrison
2019
Cindi Doolittle
2018
Bob Tiell and family
2017
Roy and Glenda (in memory) Waldron (Bubbles and Banjo)
2016
John Feltman
2015
Patrick and Sandy Rhoton
2014
Matt Starr
2013
Dave Bevington
2012
Austin Swallow
2011
Sam McQueen
2010
Tim Hall and Don McDaniel
2009
Denny Irwin
2008
Kay Culbertson
2007
Dean and Audrey Spearman
2006
Sally Nelson
2005
Wayne Bower
2004
Ron Staats