Preschool collection buys pies for needy

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The Naperville Park District's preschool program's sixth annual Pennies for Pies drive is under way with a goal of raising enough money to surpass last year's total of 140 pies donated to Naperville's Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry.

Loaves and Fishes aims to provide 2,000 families with Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings. Naperville Park District preschoolers are encouraged to bring in pennies and other small change during the first two weeks of November.

"Each year the children and their families have been able to increase their support for this simple but effective way of helping others," said Sandie Gilmer, the park district's early childhood program manager.

Park district staff, local businesses and the public are invited to participate in the drive, contributing small change as well as larger amounts. Donations will be accepted at the Naperville Park District's Administration Building, 320 W. Jackson Ave., through Nov. 15. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

All donations will be used to purchase pies for the Loaves and Fishes 2012 Thanksgiving food distribution.

For information about the Naperville Park District and its programs, visit napervilleparks.org. For information about Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry, visit loaves-fishes.org.