LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — In response to the federal government shutdown and new federal guidance indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued on Nov. 1, the WV Daily News, in partnership with the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, is launching an emergency children’s food drive to support families who may experience a sudden loss of grocery assistance.
Federal data show SNAP serves roughly 42 million people nationwide, while West Virginia agencies report more than 270,000 residents rely on the program. USDA memoranda and national reports released in recent days confirm that contingency funds will not be used to cover November SNAP benefits during the shutdown, putting recipients at risk of missing their regular food assistance at the start of the month.
Why this matters in West Virginia and Greenbrier County:
As of May 2025, approximately 274,000 West Virginians were enrolled in SNAP, with monthly benefits totaling more than $45 million statewide. Any interruption in those funds would quickly strain household food budgets.
Independent analyses show West Virginia consistently ranks among the states with the highest share of residents using SNAP, and hunger organizations estimate that about one in five children in the state face food insecurity, underscoring the program’s role in preventing child hunger.
“Local families plan their month around when benefits are distributed. If those funds don’t arrive on Nov. 1, kids will feel it first,” said Susan Smith-Linton, General Manager of The West Virginia Daily News. “This drive is a fast, practical way our community can help fill the gap and make sure our kids don’t go hungry.”
“As we start into the holiday season and are thinking about providing children in need in our community with presents under the tree, we also want to ensure that they do not go to bed hungry,” said Mary Carr, regional director of the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. “With an impending stop to SNAP benefits and federal workers not receiving paychecks, Children’s Home Society anticipates a great need for help to families facing food insecurities. We are thankful for our amazing community who always comes through to lend a hand to our local children and appreciate any and all support through the next few months with food donations as well as toys to brighten up a child’s holiday.”
Most-needed items:
Shelf-stable proteins: peanut butter, canned chicken/tuna, beans,
Ready-to-eat items: shelf-stable milk, fruit cups, breakfast bars, oatmeal cups,
Kid-friendly meals: canned soups, pasta, mac & cheese,
Infant/toddler items: formula (sealed, in-date), baby food pouches, diapers/wipes,
Essentials: rice, pasta, cereal, cooking oil.
Additionally, for the second consecutive year, the West Virginia Daily News (WVDN) is partnering with the Children’s Home Society (CHS) of West Virginia to collect essential items and gifts for local children this Christmas season.
The monthlong donation drive begins Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 30. This year, we have set a goal of collecting 200 new, unwrapped items to contribute to the CHS’s mission, which served more than 400 local children last Christmas.
The drive relies on the generosity of community members to provide items ranging from diapers and dolls to headphones and sports equipment, ensuring that every child experiences the “joy and warmth of the holiday season,” according to CHS.
“We are once again asking our community to help us help Children’s Home Society provide a merry Christmas for the many children that they work with,” said WVDN Editor Rebecca Stalnaker. “Last year we were able to gather 100 items, so this year we want to double that and have set our goal at 200 items. Our community is incredibly generous, and we could not be more thankful for all of the assistance we have received for our various item drives in the past.”
Last year’s inaugural partnership brought crucial supplies and gifts to families in need. The partnership was established to leverage WVDN’s reach to help CHS meet the significant demand for donations during the holidays. Readers can find more information about the success of last year’s drive on WVDN.com.
How and Where to Donate
All donated items must be new and unwrapped.
The primary drop-off location is the WVDN Office on Foster Street in Lewisburg. Items can be delivered to the WVDN office during business hours:
Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For specific questions regarding the drive or large drop-offs, individuals can call the Children’s Home Society at 304-647-3430.
The items collected benefit children of all age groups, from infants through teenagers, with specific requests designed to maximize impact:
Infants and Younger Children: High-priority items include diapers (all sizes), snow suits, jackets, boots, socks, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats. Other requests are for baby dolls, Barbies and action figures, toys and play sets, LEGOs, games, puzzles, books, and interactive learning toys.
Tweens and Teens: The needs for older children include gift cards, PS5 or Xbox games, makeup and nail sets, model kits (planes and cars), remote control cars, headphones and Bluetooth speakers, water bottles, craft and art supplies, sports equipment, and hunting accessories.
Organizers emphasize that every donation, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in upholding the tradition of kindness and ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays.
