Local celebrities serve drinks for a cause in Springfield

Local celebrities acted as bartenders tonight to serve up more than just drinks . but hope for those who lack proper nutrition. 22 News reporter Kaylee Thomas joins us live in studio with how they're making a difference in our communities. Sierra . as food insecurity remains a growing issue . community leaders came together to show their support . and help raise money for families and veterans in need. A lineup of local celebrities poured in mixed drinks at the Student Prince and Ford Restaurant in Springfield for a great cause. It was the Ludlow Public School Food Services Program's first-ever Shamrock Share fundraiser . which helps raise money for those facing food insecurity. More than 61-thousand people are food insecure in Hamden County . according to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Our community, our neighbors, they're suffering, they're hurting. Prices are going up, people can't afford to feed their families. Katie . the force behind this fundraiser . grateful for the community's support. It's making my heart really full, it's so incredible. Half of the proceeds goes into stocking food shelves at the Community Survival Center . which helps families in Ludlow, Hamden, Wilberham and the 16 acres and Indian Orchard sections of Springfield. People are struggling, and so I think for them to know that they can come and get 40 pounds of food or whatever it is they get for how many family members they have, we're meeting that need. The other half goes into supporting the veteran services of Ludlow. To get them back integrated into the civilian world and also support them as they look for work or anything that they need to get them back to normalcy. And the giving doesn't stop at this event. Through March 28th, non-perishable food donations for both of these organizations can be made at collection boxes across several locations . including Ludlow Public Schools, Ludlow Big Y, Randall's Farm, Luso Federal Credit Union, Hamden County Sheriff's Department and the Ludlow Fire and Police Departments. As soon as it comes in, it's weighed, it's stacked and it's going back out the door the next day. In addition to non-perishable food donations, unopened personal care items and paper products are also being collected. There will be a final collection in the front parking lot of the Ludlow High School on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Working for you, Kaylee Thomas, 22 News.