A broad range of residents, church groups and businesses were responsible for $18,139 being donated to this year’s Community Food Relief Campaign.

All of the money raised during the seven-week campaign — an annual joint effort among the Hamilton JournalNews, The Middletown Journal and Shared Harvest Food Bank — stays in Butler and Warren counties.

“A great big thank you to those who dug down deep into their heart and soul and pocketbook to make sure people who don’t have enough food to eat, have enough now,” said Tina Osso, executive director of Shared Harvest.

Shared Harvest has recorded a 47 percent increase in the number of people served in Butler and Warren counties since 2003. There were nearly 300,000 people served across the two counties in 2012, Osso said.

As of Nov. 30, 2012, Osso said Shared Harvest has distributed more than 4.6 million pounds of food — a more than 110 percent increase over the rates in 2003.

In addition to the 464 gifts amounting to $18,139 raised as of Jan. 3, the Hamilton Community Foundation made a $20,000 donation, Osso said.

The foundation has now donated $75,000 to the cause since 2009, she said.

“It’s such a good cause and there are so many people who never thought they’d be on the receiving end,” said Janet Breeden of Reily Twp. “I have a nice warm house and food to eat … and some people don’t have a decent place to live.”

Breeden said she donated to the campaign because the money raised stays local to help strangers and neighbors alike. She encourages anyone to donate, even if it’s just a few dollars.

Breeden said she donates food items through her church — Faith United Church of Christ on Millville Avenue — that go to the Open Door Pantry in Hamilton. She also regularly donates laundry detergent and money to Shared Harvest through her retired teachers group, Delta Kappa Gamma Chi.

“About three years ago, Tina (Osso) shared with our church about how she got started and that encouraged people to do more,” Breeden said. “We’re trying to start a community meal, the last Sunday of every month, and we hope to get the community together.”

Throughout the year, a women’s group at the Christ United Methodist Church in Middletown raises money to distribute to needy organizations at the end of the year. Treasurer Pamela Cole said the group raised about $1,500, and donated $100 of that to the Community Food Relief Campaign.

“It’s a shame to see people out there who are hungry,” Cole said.

Cole said the group tries to steer its funds toward local projects. She called the food campaign assistance “very needed,” because of the number of residents who can’t afford to purchase groceries.

Osso said the campaign received three $500 donations this year — the largest individual gifts. Don Stewart, 97, of Lebanon was among those to donate $500.

“As far as I know have never missed a meal in my life, so I am pleased to help others have food,” Stewart said in a note with his donation.

Osso said the day after Christmas, a cash donation was received with a return address section listing her parents’ names, Anthony and Mary Osso, and a return address of “Heaven.”

“That took my breath away,” Osso said, who lost her father in 1989 and her mother in 2003. “It was a kind thought and really touched my heart.”