KUED-Channel 7, KUER 90.1 and the Utah Education Network (UEN), are holding their annual Holiday Food and Clothing Drive to help provide meals and warm clothing for struggling Utah families. A 22-year tradition, the drive will be held Friday, December 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the The Eccles Broadcast Center, 101 South Wasatch Drive.

"Last year, the annual food and clothing drive exceeded all expectations in consideration of the difficult economic times," says Jacqui Voland, Director of Community Outreach. "The Eccles Broadcast Center staff was extremely proud to be a small part of overwhelming community support for the Crossroads Urban Center and the families they serve. This year, we hope to collect enough food and warm winter wear to fulfill the continued need at the Crossroads Urban Center.

Food donations are down by 15% this year so far, and the need for emergency food is about the same as last year. Last Christmas the Crossroads Urban Center served 1,368 households containing 3,554 people at the Christmas food giveaway. This year they are planning for 1,400 to 1,500 families. The EBC Food Drive goes a long way in supporting this annual effort.

33% of the people served last  year were 12 or younger. 44% were 18 or younger. Formula, baby food, wet wipes, diapers, pajamas, and warm clothes for children are greatly welcomed.

Donations of any non-perishable food items are welcome, but the following items are needed most needed:

• Meats & frozen turkeys, hams and chickens
• High Protein foods – tuna fish, peanut butter, chili
• Vegetables & canned, instant or fresh potatoes and yams, canned corn, peas, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, etc.
• Pasta, rice and meal mixes
• Cookie, cake and other dessert mixes
• Formula and diapers for infants

In addition, the Broadcast Center will be collecting gently used and new cold weather clothing, coats, blankets, socks and gloves.

Broadcast Center employees will be in the parking lot to unload donations so donors do not  have to get out of their cars. Checks made out to Crossroads Urban Center will be accepted to help purchase additional food. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be provided.

» Click Here for a map to The Eccles Broadcast Center

The food will be collected under a canopy on the curb in front of the The Eccles Broadcast Center, located just north of Fort Douglas and directly east of the McCarthy sports field and distinguished by the large satellite dishes on the northwest side of the building. A banner will also indicate the location.

For more information, contact Eccles Broadcast Center at 801-585-6013. Information is also available at www.kuer.org or www.uen.org.