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Special to the Daily News

Working together to fight hunger in Middlesboro is one way the Middlesboro Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) is making a difference in their hometown. MRTA volunteers collected food items and money donations this October for the Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM). On Tuesday, MRTA presented the food and money to the CCM.

Retired educators across the state are teaming up to help those struggling to put food on the table. MRTA launched its second year of local efforts supporting the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association and AARP Kentucky efforts to alleviate hunger locally.

The effort is one part of the national “Drive to End Hunger Campaign” with four time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, AARP and AARP Foundation to fight the problem of senior hunger in America.

In Kentucky, hunger threatens 13.4 percent of its citizens and of those, 5.4 percent of seniors are at risk. Building on the success of their 2011 food drives, KTRA units across the state are again taking action to help change this with the “Yes, We Can Feed Kentucky” food drives in 2012.

“We know hunger is not part of the American dream. We know there are Kentuckians going to bed hungry and we’re going to do something about it,” said Mary Susan Hale, co-president of MRTA. “We’re inviting other local groups to join with us and help end hunger right here in Middlesboro.”

“It’s important to take action locally and meet local needs in Middlesboro and know working together we can make a difference. We are amazed at the community spirit and its response,” said Hale. “I think it’s a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and the willingness of the entire community to get involved.”

Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded the National Retired Teachers Association in 1941 and 10 years later, founded AARP with a vision of service to others. Year two of “Yes, We Can Feed Kentucky” continues that mission of service and the spirit of service to give back.

Learn more and find ways to help at www.drivetoendhunger.org and www.feedingamericaky.org. More on KRTA is available at www.krta.org.