Organizers for the local route of the Journey for Charity tractor cruise said final donations have been tallied and this year’s event raised $36,400 in Warren and Franklin Counties.That’s compared to $32,000 last year, said Knights of Columbus member Rick Mueller, who helped organize the cruise’s northern route through Warren County.This was the first year tractors participated in Warren County. The event originated with Knights of Columbus councils in Franklin County.During the cruise, volunteers collect food and cash donations for area food pantries. There was 7,000 pounds of food collected this year.Mueller said 1,000 pounds of food and $5,200 is being donated to the Southern Warren and St. Charles County Food Pantry. A check for the donation will be presented to representatives of the food pantry at a gathering Oct. 14.On Oct. 21, representatives of the seven participating Knights of Columbus councils and all the recipient food pantries will meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Union for a large ceremonial check presentation.

Farm tractors cruise through Warren County Sunday morning, Sept. 8, collecting cash and food donations for area food pantries.

Record photo/Cindy Gladden