BATH — This summer, the Venison Donation Coalition and its venison donation program was at risk of disappearing.

They sent out a "Call to Action" to hunters, farmers and citizens of New York state to help feed the hungry. They asked for people to donate $1 to help pay for the processing of venison. Many answered the call but still donations are down.

The Food Banks in New York stepped up to the plate and have offered to assist in funding the processing fees. The Food Banks play a tremendous role in the Venison Donation program. Not only are they helping the funding, they pick up the processed venison and distribute it to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout the state. The listing for the Food Banks can be found on the Venison Donation Coalition's Web site at www.VenisonDonation.com.

Since 1999, the Venison Donation Coalition has been highly successful in its goal to feed the hungry throughout New York state. They have processed 337.51 tons of highly nutritious venison or the equivalent of 2,700,800 meals served. In order for this program to continue and flourish, the Venison Donation Coalition is seeking financial donations.

For every dollar that is donated to the Venison Donation Coalition, $.95 is used toward processing the venison. In 2008, $105,000 was spent on venison processing fees. Donations can be made at your Town Clerk's office or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Just inform the D.E.C.A.L.S. licensing agent that you wish to make a donation to support the Venison Donation Program. All donations through D.E.C.A.L.S. are deposited directly into the Venison Donation Fund. Donations can also be accepted through their secure Web site www.venisondonation.com, or send a check payable to: Venison Donation Coalition, Inc., 415 West Morris St., Bath, NY 14810.

The Venison Donation Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that coordinates and funds the efforts of venison processing to feed the hungry throughout New York state. For more information, call (866) 862-DEER.