Huntley church to hold Grafton Food Pantry drive Feb. 25

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St. in Huntley, will hold a food drive to benefit Grafton Food Pantry on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Due to the success of our past food drives, we are pleased to continue being a local source to help provide solutions to the pressing needs in our own community," said Jeff Ottens, food drive coordinator at Shepherd of the Prairie. "Volunteers will be on hand in the parking lot to provide assistance with the food collection."

According to Grafton Food Pantry board member Harriet Ford, the needs are urgent and the most critical items include paper goods (toilet paper, tissues, paper towels); personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, lotion, soap); and cleaning supplies (detergent, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, household cleaner).

"We also need cooking staples, such as pancake mix and syrup, condiments, pasta sauce, rice, and baking supplies," Ford said.

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 senior pastor Rev. Mark Boster and Rev. Ryan Mackey, pastor, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years. Visit www.sotp.org.