PADUCAH - Paducah Power System’s annual food collection event hit an important milestone this year.

Christmas in the Park generated more than $35,000 and almost 70,000 pounds of food for local helping agencies, enabling the event to hit the milestone of more than one million pounds of canned goods collected over the history of the food drive.

The food and monetary donations were gathered through the lighting displays at Noble Park, and through the School Challenge, with approximately 45,000 pounds of food coming from local schools competing in the Challenge.

“The one-million-pound milestone is symbolic of the way this community takes care of its friends and neighbors, year after year,” said Andrea Underwood, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations for Paducah Power System. “We are humbled and grateful for the way hundreds of volunteers worked together to create an event that feeds those in need, attracts Christmas tourists and enhances the holiday experience for people.”

Proceeds from Christmas in the Park will be divided among Paducah Cooperative Ministry, the Salvation Army, Family Service Society, and St. Vincent DePaul Society. 

This was the 23rd year for the event.