By HEATHER NELLIS

For the C-S-E

Local huntsmen will have the opportunity later this fall to donate harvested deer to help feed hungry senior citizens in Montgomery County.

In a continued partnership with the county Office for Aging, Tribes Hill resident Tom Georgia is once again sponsoring a venison donation program this year in cooperation with the county Republican Club.

Between Nov. 25 and Jan. 1, Georgia said any sportsman can donate harvested deer taken legally and tagged in accordance with the laws set by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and they’ll be processed and butchered for free.

Families on a waiting list held by the Office for Aging will receive the donated meat, Georgia said.

At the program’s inception two years ago, 140 families were served, but last year, the number dropped to 40 families.

“It wasn’t a big harvest year, but I’m hoping this year is a better year for it,” Georgia said.  “You can’t imagine what this program does for our seniors.”

Georgia said many of the seniors who take advantage of the program are women.

“When I drop off the venison, one of the first things I hear is a story that starts with ‘I remember when my husband was alive ...’ and then she’d tell me how she prepared it, and how it brought back memories. A lot of the stories brought tears to my eyes. A lot of people are really hurting financially right now, they have nothing, so it’s great to be able to get that reaction of bringing back the good old days.”

There are several statewide venison donation programs, but Georgia said this drive isn’t part of those efforts because he wants to ensure the donations stay in Montgomery County.

He said each family served receives five pounds of meat, including hamburger, steak and sausage.

Families interested in getting on the waiting list should contact the Office for Aging at 843-2300. The venison is distributed amongst families on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hunters interested in donating their harvest should contact Georgia at 829-7083 for more information.