Marion County residents are encouraged to fill local food shelves as the annual KNIA/KRLS Holiday Food Drive kicks off this week.

The Pella and Knoxville HyVee stores and numerous area businesses are partnering with KNIA/KRLS to support the Pella Community Food Shelf and Helping Hands of Knoxville during the holiday season. This weekend, the Pella Hy-Vee is hosting a kickoff event Saturday, with activities taking place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Store Director Derek Sparks says they will be collecting food and teaching residents about fire safety.

Additionally, he says donation bags will be available in store for purchase.

KNIA/KRLS will also be hosting food drives in adjacent counties. Food collected in each county will stay in that county to help feed the hungry.