United Way launches food drive

Last year, volunteers at the United Way of Elgin helped package and sort some 2,000 moving boxes filled with food for local pantries as part of the agency's "Day of Caring."

On Friday, 300-plus volunteers hope to top that as the United Way kicks off its 2009 campaign.

Elissa Stowell, the United Way's research development and special initiatives manager, said the aim is for the food supply to hold pantries over until the end of November.

"We know the pantries are being depleted. People that have never had to use it before are showing up and asking for help," Stowell said. "A pantry would never say, 'We have too much food.' There's no right time of year to donate. They need food all year round."

Beginning at about 9:30 a.m., volunteers will be sorting and packing food items dropped off at the parking lot of Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave., Elgin.

If you miss the collection, nonperishable items, diapers, baby wipes and toiletries may be dropped off at the United Way office, 2022 Larkin Ave., or your local food pantry.

For details, call (847) 741-2259 or visit uwelgin.org.