Special to IFN

Local balloon pilots donated more than 2.5 tons of food to Iredell Christian Ministries this week thanks to the support of the community during last weekend’s drive-thru event at the Statesville Park and Soccer Complex.

The donation included 2,284.8 pounds of food and $531 in cash contributions. The Statesville nonprofit can purchase five pounds of food for each dollar, meaning the donated cash will be converted to an additional 2,655 pounds of food to its shelves.

“THANK YOU for your donations,” organizers said in a statement. “Thank you to our partners at the City of Statesville, Parks & Rec, and Statesville Police, Carolina BalloonFest (propane), and our amazing local pilots and crews for making this a special Christmas tradition in Statesville!”