cans 120Five local elementary schools joined forces with Cayuga Radio Group and United Way of Tompkins County for the Third Annual 'Cans Along Cayuga' food drive during this year's Ithaca Festival Parade.

In the weeks before the parade, the five schools, Caroline Elementary School, Enfield Elementary School, Fall Creek Elementary School, South Hill Elementary School and Trumansburg Elementary School collected about 350 pounds of non-perishable food that was added to the donations collected by Cayuga Radio Group on-air personalities and staff during the Ithaca Festival Parade on Thursday, May 28th.

"Every year we try to find ways to increase the impact of both 'Cans Along Cayuga' and the mission of UWTC. This year we had the idea of reaching out to our youngest residents to help us," said Gabe Carrillo, Cayuga Radio Group and 107.7 Rewind/Z95.5 Brand Manager and Co-Host of The Morning Buzz. "In turn, it teaches the students that you are never too young to make a difference in the community."

James A. Brown, President & CEO of United Way of Tompkins County, praised the effort of the schools.

cans 400Left to right- James Brown and Meg Cole, United Way; Gabe Carrillo, Cayuga Radio Group; Samantha Little, Principal, South Hill Elementary School; Maureen Gilroy, Librarian, Enfield Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Cayuga Radio Group

"While the increased demand for food in our community and across our region and state is alarming, it is meaningful and rewarding to see how these five elementary schools and the community have come together and answered Cayuga Radio Group's call to action through 'Cans Along Cayuga' and the Ithaca Festival Parade", he said.

An estimated 1,800 pounds of donated food will be distributed to area food pantries.

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