Blair County Food Drive Kicks Off Spring of Giving

The Blair County Food Drive is back for spring, and organizers say this year’s campaign could be the biggest yet. Founder and coordinator Denice Stone joined Studio 814 to share details about the upcoming event, running Friday, March 27 through Saturday, April 4 at Sam’s Club in Altoona.

According to Stone, the outpouring of community support has continued steadily since the fall drive.

“It seems like we haven’t stopped since the last one,” she said. “The community has been phenomenal.”

How to Donate

This year’s drive will take place exclusively at Sam’s Club, with approximately 500 volunteers helping to collect donations throughout the week. Donating couldn’t be easier—supporters can:

• Purchase extra items while shopping and drop them in the donation bins

• Bring nonperishable goods from home

• Pull up to the donation truck, where volunteers will unload for you

All contributions benefit 14 local nonprofit organizations, including food banks, soup kitchens, backpack programs, and after-school initiatives.

Special Guests Throughout the Week

Each day of the drive will feature special appearances from local groups and familiar faces:

• Friday, March 27: Penn State Altoona athletics teams

• Saturday, March 28: Penn State women’s volleyball team and head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley

• Sunday, March 29: Miss Central Pennsylvania, April Gable

• Monday, March 30: WTAJ Day – meet your favorite on-air personalities and behind-the-scenes crew

• Saturday, April 4: Visit from the Easter Bunny

All guests will volunteer from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on their assigned days. Stone says their involvement keeps energy—and donations—flowing strong.

WTAJ Day and an Exclusive Reveal

WTAJ Day is expected to draw one of the largest crowds of the week, as the entire station team pitches in to collect donations. This year, visitors will also get a special treat — a first chance to meet the new host of Studio 814.

While her identity is still under wraps, her official debut is set for Thursday, March 26, during a special reveal on the show.

Why It Matters

For Denice Stone, the food drive’s purpose goes far beyond gathering goods.

“We put the call out to our community, and they step up every year,” she said. “It makes my heart happy.”

As local need continues across Blair County, organizers remind residents that every contribution—large or small—helps make a difference.

Get Involved

Everyone is welcome to stop by Sam’s Club in Altoona to donate and join a week dedicated to helping neighbors in need. And who knows—you might also be among the first to meet the newest face of Studio 814.

More details and donation guidelines are available at blaircountyfooddrive.com.