NEWPORT-With the projected success of a project adopted by the Cocke County Leadership Class of 2009, local food banks will be in better shape to meet the growing needs of the community.

An integral part of Cocke County Leadership's ongoing classes is the adoption and completion of projects which will benefit the county.

"After much discussion," said class member Patti Briggs, "we decided to organize an ongoing food drive for our local food banks. With the deepening problems in the economy and the growing needs of our local food banks, no better project could have been found."

This Friday class members will be at Hometown Celebration at the Cocke County A & I Fairgrounds to accept donations to their cause.

"We'll be at the entrance gates," said class member Lynn Ramsey. "We hope that folks will join us in donating non-perishable food items to our project."

Briggs emphasized that such donations are not required in order for people to attend the event.

"We are very excited to work with the Cocke County Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce," said Briggs. "They have worked so hard to organize the Hometown Celebration for our citizens, and this project is our way of giving back."

In addition to collecting items this Friday, class members will also be at the Harvest Street Festival in October.

For more information about the project, call (423) 623-7201.