A northwest Georgia nonprofit organization is celebrating a successful start to its Hunters Ending Hunger initiative, which has already provided fresh ground venison to 229 families during the opening month of the season.

Helping Hands Ending Hunger Inc. announced that bow hunters have been making a significant difference by donating harvested deer to help feed families in need throughout the region.

According to the organization, the donated venison has reached 229 families in just one month, marking a first for the program.

The organization also recognized Graysen Carpenter, a sophomore at Trion High School, for supporting the effort through the Kids Helping Kids initiative.

Students and families associated with Leroy Massey Elementary School, Summerville Middle School and Rome Middle School have also benefited from the program.

Helping Hands Ending Hunger credited the success of the initiative to participating hunters, community supporters and the vision of Allison Agnew, whose encouragement helped inspire the effort.

The organization hopes to build on its early success as hunting season continues, encouraging additional participation to help provide nutritious food to families facing food insecurity.

Helping Hands Ending Hunger says the initiative demonstrates how hunters, schools and community volunteers can work together to make a difference for families across northwest Georgia.