For too many youth, hunger becomes a major issue during the summer months when they don’t have a school providing them with at least two adequate meals – five days a week.

As a means to combat youth hunger in Arkansas, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is participating in the 2017 Cereal Drive.

A project sponsored by THV 11 and the Arkansas Foodbank, the DHS Volunteer Activities Council (VAC) is spearheading the cause within Donaghey Plaza.

VAC member Myra Spring – Division of County Operations Administrative Analyst – has been involved with the drive for over a decade.

“I want to help make sure that every child has what they need,” she stated.

The goal set by VAC is to collect 3,800 boxes of cereal, or amass an amount of money which equates to the established target. Donations for the cereal drive go to the Arkansas Foodbank, which then purchases cereal. Each dollar counts as one box of cereal. In order to donate money, contact Spring via e-mail. Additionally, cereal drive drop-off boxes are located near the elevators on every floor of the Donaghey complex. The cereal drive concludes June 21.

“This drive is very important,” Spring said. “This year we’re doing a floor-by-floor challenge throughout the cereal drive. The winning floor in Donaghey Plaza will receive a huge bowl of candy to share.”

The drive has been ongoing since 2000. And for good reason, DHS is an annual participant in the community outreach event.

“Just think if it was your child who didn’t have food available,” Spring said. “You’d try very hard to make sure your child would have exactly what they needed. With school not being in session, we simply want to make sure that children have breakfast and lunch throughout the summer.”