Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry (Aurora Food Pantry) will hold its 11th Annual Holiday Food Drive through November 21 at three Aurora area grocery stores: Prisco’s Family Market, 1108 Prairie Street, Aurora; Cermak Fresh Market, 1250 N. Lake Street, Aurora; and Food Market LaChiquita, 1525 Douglas Road, Montgomery. Shoppers can purchase prepackaged bags of food at $5, $10, and $15 for donation to Aurora Food Pantry, as well as make monetary donations to get much-needed food to struggling families in the Aurora area.
“Each year, 19,000 members of our community count on Aurora Food Pantry for food,” said Marilyn Weisner, executive director. “With our community’s help, we give hope to our neighbors in need and ensure that no one goes hungry during the holidays. This is a traditional time of celebration, but for many families that do not have enough food, this time of year can be stressful and difficult,” Weisner said. “We are so grateful to our sponsors and the community for helping make this event a success year after year and for providing nourishing food to our hungry neighbors.”
Monetary donations may be made online at www.aurorafoodpantry.org by clicking on the Donate or the Give Now button and selecting Holiday Food Drive as the donation category or sending a check to Aurora Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2602, Aurora, IL 60507 with Holiday Food Drive on the memo line. Every $1 donated provides $7 worth of food.
Another way to participate in the food drive is to volunteer to distribute Holiday Food Drive flyers to shoppers at the grocery stores. The level of donations increases significantly when shoppers are handed the food drive information as they enter the stores. This is a great activity for Scouts, who should wear their uniforms, youth and church groups, and for students who need community service hours. Go to SignUpGenius to schedule a time at bit.ly/volunteeraurora or call Elva at 630-692-3056.
The 11th Annual Holiday Food Drive is sponsored by Dolan & Murphy, Inc., Prisco’s Family Market, Cermak Fresh Market, Food Market La Chiquita, 95.9 The River, Aurora Fastprint, The Beacon-News, Douglas Carpet One, Gerald Subaru of Naperville/North Aurora, and Aspen Lane Wine Company.
“The 95.9 The River radio station will be broadcasting live at Prisco’s, Cermak and Food Market LaChiqita on the weekends and the day before Thanksgiving,” said Dan Dolan, who initiated this community food drive and is its lead supporter. “You can visit Aurora Food Pantry’s website for the schedule and be sure to stop by and say hello,” said Dan.
Additional information about the Holiday Food Drive is available by calling 630-897-3056 or visiting www.aurorafoodpantry.org/holiday-food-drive.
—Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry