Members of our community have once again stepped up to help out those who are less fortunate.

Erie News Now would like to thank everyone who helped make our 21st Annual Erie News Now Food Drive a huge success.

For more than 12 hours, volunteers spent Wednesday, at 13 drop off locations, collecting food and monetary donations.

"I'm just overwhelmed by the generosity of the community,” said Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Karen Seggi. “Each year, I think there is no way that we can step up even more than we already have, and to be honest, last night, they did. I’m just surprised and so eternally grateful."

In just one day, a record-setting total of 32,472 pounds of food was collected.

A total of 535 turkeys were donated, which is the event has ever received.

The food drive also collected a total of $65,175, which is the most the most the food drive has ever raised in a single day.

The donations will now be given to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to help feed the less fortunate.

“Fortunately, many of us can go to our cupboards and find something to eat,” said Seggi. “However, there are way too many people and families that aren't able to do that. They look in the cupboards and it's bare, so it's something that everyone can relate to, and so I'm just grateful for the community's belief that our mission is important and they want to do something for those less fortunate.”

If you'd like to help out, Second Harvest is still accepting donations. They can be dropped off at the food bank at 1507 Grimm Drive.

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.