Leitchfield tourism dollars helped county food pantry, alliance leader says

Debbie Childress with the Grayson County Community Alliance told the Leitchfield Tourism Convention Commission in September 2025 that investments from tourism events have backed the alliance’s food pantry, fundraising and direct services.

Childress said the Ducky (Ducking) Hunger regatta this year raised more than $17,000 for the pantry and attracted roughly 50 to 60 people in person, while a live production of the race drew nearly 6,000 viewers. She said the event is part of a 10-year pattern of tourism support that has helped the pantry raise “over a $100,000” and that, according to her remarks, the alliance estimates that sum represents “over 834,000 meals.”

The alliance also runs free tax-filing assistance; Childress said that program has helped return more than $3 million in tax revenue to residents in fewer than 10 years. She said a newly launched financial literacy program has enrolled about 120 people so far and uses a curriculum called Money Habitudes along with SMART-goal coaching to help participants plan finances.

Childress said the alliance relies primarily on volunteers and community fundraising rather than government funding, and that volunteer recruitment is a stated goal. As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the alliance will offer a scholarship of up to $1,000 to a Grayson County senior (public, private or homeschooled) who demonstrates a volunteer mindset; the first award will be offered for the school year ending in 2026.

Childress described the alliance’s services as feeding, teaching and empowering families and said the group aims ultimately to reduce the local need for a food pantry by increasing financial literacy and resilience.

The presentation was informational; the commission did not take formal action on the alliance’s programs during the meeting.

Childress’s remarks came early in the meeting and were followed by routine commission business including minutes and financial approvals.