KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- For 18 years now, the Division of Natural Resource's Hunters Helping the Hungry program has helped feed thousands of people across the state.

Last year, 1,149 deer were donated by hunters. Those deer provided 45,505 pounds of venison to food banks to be distributed to organizations like soup kitchens, shelters and even senior centers.

Hunters can drop off deer at participating meat processors. They'll then be butchered and sold to food banks at a discounted rate.

Taking part in the program has become a tradition for David Gillispie. He along with his parents and uncles have been dedicated deer donors for years.

"For me, to be able to go into the woods and actually kill a decent deer and donate it to someone that actually can use food, I think is awesome," said Gillispie.

He always drops his deer off at S & J Custom Meat Cutting, a participating processor in Kanawha County. Owner James Sayre says he offers up his services because he knows what the DNR started is making a big difference.

"The people that pick it up from the food bank say a whole lot of families are blessed by the burger they get," said Sayre. "I know when they're setting down eating a meal that their kids needed it, and now they have it."

Manna Meal in Charleston serves about 300 meals a day. The organization has come to appreciate any donations they can get.

"We used to have meals where we weren't able to have any meat at all on the menu. This has helped us to provide protein for the people who eat here," said Rajneekorn Pongsugre, Manna Meal's Lead Cook.

She says that most of their deer meat is used to make chili.

To learn more about Hunters Helping the Hungry you can click on the link below.