PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A wave of community spirit swept across Pickaway County this season as city and county offices joined forces for a friendly competition that resulted in more than 11,500 donated food items and over $2,500 raised for local families in need.
The donated goods will support the Community Cupboards of Pickaway County, a volunteer-driven network led by Ken Tennant, which operates 24 free food cupboards across the county.
Organizers say the effort highlighted what can happen when local agencies work together with a common purpose.
“I am in total awe of how we came together,” said event coordinator Katie Logan Hedges. “We secured over $2,500 and more than 11,000 items. This is a shining example of Pickaway County helping Pickaway County.”
Final Competition Results
- 🥇 1st Place – “Team Law & Order: Special Christmas Unit”
Probation & Municipal Court — 5,213 items - 🥈 2nd Place – “Team Guns & Hoses”
Circleville Police Department & Circleville Fire Department — 2,689 items - 🥉 3rd Place – “Team Soup-er Stars”
City of Circleville Administration, Service & Utilities, Auditor’s Office, City Council — 2,104 items - 🚨 4th Place – “Team Badges & Briefcases”
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office & Prosecutor’s Office — 1,451 items
The winning team claimed the traveling trophy, while the Sheriff Department will participate in a lighthearted “mock arrest” and post a $500 charitable “bail,” for coming in last, all of which will be donated to Community Cupboards.
How the Cupboards Serve the County
Community Cupboards volunteers pack weekly food bags for cupboards located in Circleville, Orient, New Holland, Laurelville, Commercial Point, and other communities. Each cupboard receives five bags per month—six during holiday seasons—filled with staple foods, toiletries, and pet supplies.
With 12% of Pickaway County residents living below the poverty line and many more hovering just above it, organizers say demand remains steady and widespread. Especially around the holiday times, they see an uptick in use.
Tennant explained that the cupboard system is intentionally designed to be anonymous and stigma-free.
“If they need it, they take it,” he said. “We don’t ask names or income. It’s about dignity and making sure our neighbors don’t go hungry.”
The recent competition marks the largest donation drive the organization has ever received, expected to supply three to four months’ worth of goods—a contribution valued at more than $15,000.
Community Partners Recognized
The success of the event was made possible with assistance from:
- NAPA – forklift support
- FORJAK Industrial – labor and storage
- Boar’s Head (Groveport) – donations
- Dozens of dedicated volunteers who sorted, packed, transported, and distributed items
Want to Support?
Those interested in donating or organizing a drive can contact the Community Cupboards at [email protected] or through their Facebook page.
