Freezin’ for a Reezin’ Day declared Dec. 3 in Ottawa

Annual food drive will be conducted at Handy Foods

Maggie Frost, of WCMY, talks with Rick Cook of Nucor Tubular Products in Marseilles for a live remote Friday afternoon in front of the radio station in Ottawa during Freezin for a Reezin. The annual food drive was adjusted this year because of COVID-19 safety procedures. Instead of collecting non-perishable items, checks and cash were collected outside WCMY and Handy Foods to support the Community Food Basket of Ottawa.

Ottawa Mayor Dan Aussem declared Friday, Dec. 3, Freezin’ for a Reezin’ Day to commemorate the 13th annual food drive hosted by 1430 WCMY, Handy Foods, Stevenson Transfer and the city of Ottawa.

Freezin’ for a Reezin’ has collected more than 417,000 pounds of food and $378,000 in donations since it began in 2009. The proceeds and donations are provided to the Community Food Basket of Ottawa. During the drive, nonperishable food items can be dropped off at Handy Foods and donations are accepted online at ottawafoodbasket.org.

WCMY will broadcast live beginning at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 3 in the parking lot at Handy Foods, 604 W. Main St., in an effort to raise money and collect food for the Community Food Basket.

The event features a live radiothon and entertainment.

Last year, Freezin’ for a Reezin’ was adjusted as a precautionary measure for COVID-19. Instead of collecting non-perishable items, checks and cash were collected outside WCMY and Handy Foods to support the Community Food Basket.