With the spirit of giving, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Mid-Ohio Foodbank are working together to address hunger in Central Ohio as part of the annual Stuff the Truck food drive at the Columbus Zoo on Tuesday, December 8. As part of this event, each guest who brings six (6) non-perishable food items to the Zoo will receive one (1) free admission to enjoy Wildlights, efficiently powered by AEP Ohio, for this night only.
“We are proud to continue hosting this extremely important event this year, as it exemplifies what the holidays are about—sharing in traditions with loved ones and helping others in our community,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf.
Event logistics and safety procedures will be in accordance with standard Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Delaware County General Health District guidelines regarding COVID-19. To drop off donations, guests will be directed along a specified traffic pattern and will remain in their cars as they approach the large Mid-Ohio Foodbank trucks located in the main parking lot of the Zoo. All food items will be removed from the trunk or back seat of the car, or handed through the window if necessary, by the staff or volunteer working at the drop-off location. Guests are required to wear a mask at all times while interacting with Zoo staff and volunteers, whether inside or outside their vehicle, unless medically unable to do so.
After retrieving the food, admission voucher(s) will be handed to guests and they will then be directed to park their car so they can then begin their visit to the Zoo and enjoy the more than 3 million LED lights that await them. The cost of parking is covered with proof of donation, and donations are not required for children ages 3 years and under. The Zoo will remain open for visitors that evening until 9 p.m.
As long as each family member donates six items, there is no limit to the number of free passes per family. However, due to regulations that are in place to help keep guests safe and healthy, attendance capacity will continue to be limited and so guests are highly encouraged to arrive early. While Wildlights festivities don’t begin until 5 p.m., guests can begin enjoying the animals starting at 10 a.m. when the Zoo opens. If maximum capacity is reached during the evening, any guest arriving after that limit has been reached will receive a comp ticket for a return visit valid for any Monday-Thursday through December 31.
For more information about Stuff the Truck, as well as Wildlights and other offerings during these events, please visit ColumbusZoo.org and follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
