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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

The Journal Star hosts monthly meetings with readers and community leaders at sites throughout Peoria’s south side to provide more comprehensive coverage of the neighborhood. The community, which is one of the poorest zip codes in the United States, is also striving to improve. At the meetings, the group discusses possible story ideas and talks about the paper’s coverage from the previous month. The meetings resulted in an ongoing City of Disparity series that investigates challenges in the neighborhood and what community leaders are trying to do address problems. Operation Sunshine was created in May 1968, when Victor T. Ehre, then-president and general manager of Utica Mutual Insurance Co., partnered with Mason C. Taylor, then-executive editor of the Observer-Dispatch to provide a summer camping experience for needy children in the area. The effort was such a success that a second campaign at Christmas time was launched to assist local families in need. Today, Operation Sunshine continues with two annual campaigns. Most recently, the O-D has strengthened its holiday campaign by adding partners — including Townsquare Media, TimeWarner, New York Sash, Utica Mack and WUTR in its toy drive. Friend-In-Deed is a holiday help program, a not-for-profit charity, that began in 1960. It’s one of the State Journal-Register’s signature programs, completely volunteer run, with administrative support from the newspaper. Each year, about 500 community residents contribute their time to Friend-in-Deed, doing everything from processing application forms, organizing and filling orders for food, or delivering the orders just before Christmas. The newsroom also covers the program, writing stories that profile volunteers, provides an overview of the need and tells the stories of some of the recipients of the help. A daily thermometer graphic tracks the donations and provides information on how to give. Experience fun, sun, eats, events and more with Matt Pittman, better known as "Matt About Jax”! After spending a decade in radio broadcasting, hosting one of the highest rated shows in his market, Matt moved to Jacksonville, FL with a single mission: to showcase the culture, top things to do and places to see in our great city. Using The Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville.com, Matt has spent the last five years exploring every nook and cranny of Jacksonville. He is the host of Discover Jacksonville's Start Here video series highlighting iconic businesses from around the First Coast. THE BEST WAY TO TRULY DISCOVER JACKSONVILLE The Discover Jacksonville magazine was created by The Florida Times-Union to serve newcomers in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. And, Discover Jacksonville online serves locals and newcomers alike!