Huntley church to host Open Your Hearts, Fill the Holiday Carts drive-thru food drive Nov. 13

On Saturday, Nov. 13, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley will hold a preholiday "Open Your Hearts, Fill the Holiday Carts" drive-through food drive to benefit Grafton Food Pantry. It will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parking lot, 10805 Main St.

This will be Shepherd of the Prairie's seventh community drive-through food drive to benefit the Grafton Food Pantry since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

"Food scarcity is a serious problem for many people," said Mike Yndestad, the church's Community Outreach chairman. "And we are pleased to continue our support for individuals and families who are most in need within our own communities, especially now as we enter the holiday season."

Members of the church's youth group will provide assistance with the food collection.

Requested items include unexpired and unopened canned goods and nonperishable food, plus condiments, mashed potatoes, salad dressing, stuffing, and jam or jelly. Personal items include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, and razors. There is a particular desperate need for female sanitary products.

Cleaning supplies for the home, as well as gift/gas cards, are very helpful in assisting Grafton Food Pantry clients. Monetary donations are welcome and extend the reach to help others.

With every $1 donation, the Grafton Food Pantry is able to purchase an equivalent of $8 for food to help those in need. Checks should be made payable to Grafton Food Pantry.

The Grafton Food Pantry in Huntley serves individuals in need from Huntley, as well as portions of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Crystal Lake.

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the leadership of Rev. Mark Boster, pastor, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years. Visit www.sotp.org.