Harvest Week Drive supports holiday needs for West Suburban Community Pantry

Harvest Week will be celebrated throughout Woodridge, Lisle, Aurora and Naperville on Nov. 11-18 to collect new unwrapped toys, children's books and holiday foods for neighbors in need who are supported by West Suburban Community Pantry.

The pantry serves over 500 families each week from DuPage County including Naperville, Lisle and Woodridge, as well as the Bolingbrook and Romeoville communities.

"The need is especially critical during the holidays and bringing joy to struggling families is rewarding to donors and families alike," says Development Director Lisa Spaeth. "We count on the generosity of our community to help local children and families share in the security of knowing they have a meal to share and can enjoy warmth and peace of the holiday season. We are so grateful for your support."

In addition to new unwrapped toys and books for ages 0-12, items needed include: baby diapers and wipes; canned vegetables; boxed potatoes and stuffing mix; canned gravy and cranberry sauce; pumpkin pie or other dessert mixes; or other holiday foods.

Drop-off locations include:

• Downtown Naperville Alliance from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in the U.S. Bank parking lot, 136 S. Washington St. in Naperville;

• Naperville Sunrise Rotary Club from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at the Naperville Country Club, 25W570 Chicago Ave.

• Woodridge Park District's Athletic Recreation Center, 8201 S. Janes Ave., from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 13;

• St. Joan of Arc Church, 820 Division St. in Lisle, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14;

• First Congregational Church, 25 E. Benton Ave. in Naperville, from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15;

• Woodridge Park District Hohnke Community Center, 2600 Center Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16

• Faith Lutheran Church, 3000 Liberty St. in Aurora, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17;

• Clara's Restaurant, 6550 Route 53 in Woodridge, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

Donations are also accepted at the Woodridge Pantry at 6809 Hobson Valley Drive Unit 118, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The West Suburban Community Pantry provides food and resources to people facing hunger, unlocking access to nutritious meals and strengthening hope for tomorrow. Rooted in the community for 50 years, they offer an in-person food pantry, virtual food pantry, and senior home delivery program to households in DuPage County, Bolingbrook and Romeoville. They also run child nutrition programs and connect families with financial assistance and free workshops. Every day, the West Suburban Community Pantry is moving closer to our vision of a community without hunger thanks to the support of individuals, businesses and organizations. Together, we are nourishing our community, so everyone has access to the food they need to succeed.

To learn more, visit wscpantry.org and follow www.facebook.com/westsuburbancommunitypantry/ or www.instagram.com/wscpantry/.