NORWICH – The SUNY Morrisville Human Services organization, in partnership with local volunteers, churches and community groups, is leading a charge against hunger in what's become a tradition in the Norwich community.

Beginning Friday, April 11, students in the Human Services Organization (HSO) will take to the streets of Norwich, hanging plastic bags on the front doors of homes throughout the city along with a note explaining their efforts. Residents will be encouraged to fill the bag with non-perishable food items and place it outside their door on Sunday, April 13, to be collected by volunteers.

The goal, say organizers, is to heighten awareness about hunger in the community and help stock the shelves of local food cupboards. Food collected will be split between Roots and Wings of Chenango County and Our Daily Bread food pantries.

While this is a familiar routine to HSO – now in its fifth year of conducting the spring time food drive – organizers hope to benefit from a new approach this time around.

“We wanted to expand our efforts and get as much of the community involved as possible,” explained Pastor Tom Olson, a leading advocated for HSO. “This year, we're trying something different to make that happen.”