Saints Faith, Hope & Charity in Winnetka plans food drive

Updated: July 11, 2012 3:13PM

WINNETKA — The Sharing Committee at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity invites the public to participate in its ongoing “Christmas in July” food collection drive. This Sunday morning will be the last day that non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the church at 191 Linden Street, Winnetka.

The annual food drive benefits the food pantries at several Chicago area parishes located within a square mile of each other on the city’s west side. Participating parishes include St. Thomas Church, St. James Church, and Holy Family Church. The Howard Area Community Center will also be a recipient of the donated items.

Last year, volunteers at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity delivered 280 bags of groceries to these four recipients from its “Christmas in July” effort, also collecting nearly $3,000 in cash donations. The cash was shared among for the four pantries, and used to buy meat.

The Grand Food Center, with stores in Winnetka and Glencoe, is trying to get the word out to its shoppers.

“Saints Faith, Hope & Charity has been both a tremendous friend and partner of The Grand Food Center,” says store co-owner Kevin Salus. “We’re glad to help them get the word out.” The grocer adds that his staff is also preparing a store donation of its own.

While it’s common for food pantries to run low each summer, inner-city food pantries are affected even more. One reason may be because inner-city children who normally benefit from subsidized, school meals, are home for the summer.

The ideal food item donations include dried, powdered and canned items. These include boxed cereal, pancake/waffle mix, boxes of pasta, canned pasta, canned vegetables, and rice, among other items. Canned tuna is popular, as is evaporated or powdered milk.

Unfortunately, outdated food items cannot be accepted.

Paper items are also a necessity for food pantries. Paper plates, paper napkins, paper towels and toilet paper are always needed, as is baby formula, granola bars and peanut butter.

Food donations will be accepted at the church until 10:30 am this Sunday, July 15. For more information, contact the church office at 847-446-7646.

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