The River 95.3/WZRV Hosts 16th Annual Camping for Hunger Campaign

For the 16th consecutive year, The River 95.3/WZRV hosted its Camping for Hunger campaign to raise food, monetary donations, and awareness of hunger in the northern Shenandoah Valley. This vital initiative centered around the big yellow bus stationed at the Royal Plaza Shopping Center, inviting the community to contribute nonperishable foods, toiletries, and other essentials through November 23rd.

The campaign benefits the Front Royal Warren County C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project) during a year of heightened need. C-CAP reports a 37% increase in assistance requests, underscoring families’ struggles as they juggle food costs and other essential bills. Organizers urge the community to help fill the bus, noting that even a single can of soup or a small monetary donation can make a meaningful difference.

Pageant Queens Lead by Example

This year, the Miss Front Royal and Miss Warren County pageants queens have stepped up to support the campaign. Directed by Pattie Henry and Amber Pingley, with assistance from Kimberly Henry, the queens have collected and delivered significant donations to the bus. Their contributions exemplify the spirit of service and community engagement that Camping for Hunger inspires.

The participating queens and their titles are:

• Miss Front Royal Queens
  • Quin Busher – Newborn Miss Front Royal
  • Hadley Light – Baby Miss Front Royal
  • Brynlee Updike – Toddler Miss Front Royal
  • Charlotte Erdman – Wee Miss Front Royal
  • Alice Roof – Mini Miss Front Royal
  • Skylar Sours – Tiny Miss Front Royal
  • Adalin Critchfield – Little Miss Front Royal
  • Jaelyn Dalton – Preteen Miss Front Royal
  • Hadley Rae Kristo – Junior Miss Front Royal
  • Ella Colley – Miss Front Royal
  • Kayleigh Grady – Ms Front Royal
  • Christine Palovchik – Elegant Ms Front Royal
  • Jessica Lambert – Overall Miss People’s Choice Front Royal
• Miss Warren County Queens
  • Desiree Gude Waters – Newborn Miss Warren County
  • Esme Banzhof – Baby Miss Warren County
  • Danyla Jordan – Toddler Miss Warren County
  • Kinslee Gray – Wee Miss Warren County
  • Serenity West – Mini Miss Warren County
  • Camilla Gonzalez – Tiny Miss Warren County
  • Cassidy Anderson – Little Miss Warren County
  • Makayla Gray – Preteen Miss Warren County
  • Trinity Thomasson – Junior Miss Warren County
  • Taylor Sealock – Miss Warren County
  • Trinity Holben – Ms Warren County
  • Rachel Reubens – Elegant Ms Warren County
  • Alexis Graves – Overall Miss People’s Choice Warren County

Beyond their contributions to Camping for Hunger, the queens partnered with the Salvation Army, donating 15 turkeys and 15 pumpkin pies to ensure local families enjoy a warm and festive Thanksgiving meal.

Community Spirit in Action

The 16th Annual Camping for Hunger continues showcasing the power of collective action. From the dedication of the queens and local volunteers to the generosity of residents and businesses, the event highlighted what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause.

With the support of The River 95.3/WZRV, C-CAP, and compassionate individuals, the Camping for Hunger campaign is making a lasting difference in the northern Shenandoah Valley.