Staff reports

Hope Harbor is a shelter for the homeless and near-homeless.

From 5 to 8 p.m. next Wednesday, Sonic will give coupons for free food to families who bring in a minimum of two canned food products. The canned food, as well as 10 percent of the day's sales, will be donated to Hope Harbor in an effort to qualify for matching funds from the Feinstein Foundation $1 Million Challenge.

For more than a decade, the Feinstein Foundation has helped to feed communities by dividing $1 million in funds among hunger-fighting agencies across the nation.

"The Feinstein challenge is offered every year. It focuses primarily on getting food donations," said Barb Ernst, Hope Harbor's executive director.

Christmas is the biggest time of the year at Hope Harbor to receive donations, Ernst said. During the challenge, she said, the shelter has the opportunity to replenish the food supply for the spring and summer months.

Co-sponsors in this year's fundraising effort include Hornady Manufacturing, Mr. G.'s Car Wash, Kohl's Department Store and Skagway, which accepts canned food donations at both its north and south locations in Grand Island.

Youth groups, churches and senior groups have also volunteered their time to help with donations, Ernst said.

This is the third year Hope Harbor has participated in this challenge. The budget for food is minimal, so donations help greatly, Ernst said.