Oct. 24 is "Make A Difference Day," and for the fifth year in a row, businesses and agencies in Mansfield will lend a helping hand to area food pantries.

Food drive organizer Doc Stumbo said the need is overwhelming this year because of job losses and plant closures in the area. Stumbo said the food collected will help restock the Salvation Army, Domestic Violence Shelter, Volunteers of America, Harmony House, Catholic Charities and Butler-Clear Fork Nutrition food pantries.

The food drive will be Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations: Graham Auto Mall 1515 W. 4th St., Kroger 1500 Lexington Ave., Kroger 1060 Ashland Rd., Kroger 1240 Park Ave. West., Mansfield News Journal 70 W. 4th. St., UAW Local 549 2510 W. 4th St., all Key Bank locations, Sutton Bank, Sam's Club and the Flower Factory in Ontario.

Stumbo said Mid-Ohio Heart has already donated $66 to the Salvation Army and Wal-Mart in Ontario has donated $300 in food.

For more information contact Doc Stumbo at 419-529-1260. Last year 9,600 food items were collected and Stumbo said this year the goal is 12,000 items.

The food drive is made possible through the support of WMFD-TV 68, Mansfield News Journal, Graham Automall, WVNO Radio, Clear Channel Radio, WMAN 1400 A.M., Kroger, Mansfield-Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Richland County Commissioners, Ontario Growth Association, RSVP of Mid-Ohio, city of Mansfield and State Representative Jay Goyal.