Competition of cans for CHOW

Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) It was the battle of the cans between Vestal and Binghamton High Schools.

Each school had two weeks to collect as many canned foods as possible. All of those items are now headed to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW).

"It really couldn't come at a better time," said Mike Leahey, director of CHOW. "We're coming up on the holidays and a very long school break where a lot of students who stuffer with food insecurity -- they'll be at home without the breakfast and lunch the schools provides so this is going to directly affect them."

Vestal won the competition by collecting more than 1,900 cans with around 3,500 food items collected between both schools.

"For me personally, what makes it all worth while is that it's staying in the community," said Nathan Grossman, a senior at Vestal High School. "I think it's great that we can know it in our hearts that it can stay in the area and it's going to improve the lives of the people in Binghamton."

All of the food was loaded up on a truck on Tuesday and delivered to CHOW.

It will then be distributed to the 60 CHOW programs in Broome County.

Food-A-Bago drive kicks off to end holiday hunger

Town of Chenango, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The 13th Annual Food-A-Bago kicked off Monday as a campaign to spread generosity and help to your neighbors.

Local radio stations are asking you to put a few extra items in your cart on your next trip to the grocery store. The non-perishables will be collected with the goal of filling an RV, which will then be picked up by the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), and then distributed to families in need.

99.1 The Whale, Wild 104, 98.1 The Hawk, and WNBF will be broadcasting live from the RV and encouraging the community to stop by and make donations.

"We've had years where we've collected ten tons of food. Whatever we can get to, even a little helps," said Don Morgan, brand manager for 99.1 The Whale and Wild 104.

Morgan said there is a greater need this year, as the economy teeters and children go on Christmas break.

"Kids are out for about two weeks, which means they don't get the lunch at school two times a day," Morgan added.

Food-A-Bago will continue through Monday, November 11. Non-perishable items can be dropped off from 6 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM to 8 PM this weekend.

Bins are located at MainSource in the Town of Chenango, and Warner's Gas Service in Conklin.