OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Donation boxes are appearing across city buildings in Ottumwa as two city employees work to address growing food insecurity in the community.

Cameo Lathrop, a city employee, said the initiative began with a simple approach to help families during the holiday season.

“We got together made some calls, she dropped me off some boxes and then I was able to put those out to each building,” Lathrop said. “We just wanted to help people especially this time of year to be able to get the food and the meals that they need to feed their families.”

The food drive will continue through the end of the year, giving residents more time to donate as demand for food assistance increases during the holidays.

Lathrop said using city facilities as drop-off locations makes it easier fo

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