The Big Red Radio broadcasted from the Washington Fareway Tuesday as part of the Thanksgiving in July Food Drive.

The KCII Big Red Radio is helping area businesses collect food and monetary donations for the Thanksgiving in July food drive.

Washington HACAP, Mercy Iowa City, and United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties have partnered to collect food and funds to be donated directly to the HACAP Food Pantry in Washington. The donations will be distributed to individuals and families in need of assistance throughout Washington County.

Thanksgiving in July Founder Ron Hall explains why residents should participate in the food drive, “A lot of people don’t realize the actual amount of need in the different communities but going from community to community that I see right now this food goes to 51 different food pantries as opposed to the one pantry that we started with. Any community that you go to that need is there and in the summertime it’s more so, the kids don’t get the school meals like they would during the fall and spring.”

The Thanksgiving in July food drive lasts until July 22nd. The KCII Big Red Radio is broadcasting live from 10-noon Wednesday at Washington County Hospital and Clinics and from 10-noon Friday at the Washington Hy-Vee. Local businesses participating include Hy-Vee, Fareway, Wal-Mart, Hills Bank, Federation Bank, US Bank, Washington State Bank, Washington Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Hospital and Clinics, Moore’s BP, and Cafe Dodici. Collected food can be dropped off at HACAP t 2175 Lexington Blvd, Building #1 in Washington during the hours of 8-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 319-653-5300 to make additional arrangements for delivery.