Food drive kicks off in Kennett Square

The MLK CommUNITY of Greater Kennett Square is collecting food donations for those in need.

KENNETT SQUARE » The MLK CommUNITY of Greater Kennett Square has kicked off their food drive on Monday, and it runs until March 24. Historically, the food drive was organized on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Sharing, however, this year it will be conducted later. “We are excited to continue the vision to create a beloved community in the greater southern Chester County area that provides opportunities for the eradication of poverty and the food drive is one initiative our board has been coordinating,” said Carol Black, board president. “It is wonderful to honor Dr. King’s legacy throughout the year, not just on one day but also during the time to commemorate the March from Selma”, said Black. “The food drive benefits the Kennett Area Community Service (KACS’s Food Cupboard) as well as The Garage in Kennett Square.

“Today more than ever is it incredibly important for our community to support a food drive”, said Melanie Weiler, KACS executive director. “Our supply is low and with new governmental administration, we anticipate cuts in funding and we need to prepare. We can’t thank our community enough”, said Weiler.

Food items that are in the most demand include but are not limited to: canned vegetables and low-sugar fruit, tomato sauce, fresh produce, rice, pasta, oatmeal, dried beans, tuna, and peanut butter. “We encourage food drives to be conducted by churches, neighborhoods, businesses, service clubs, schools, scouts, sports teams, etc. during this week”, said Ginny Levy, chair of the MLK Food Drive Committee. “Have fun, make it competitive, get creative, anything you can do to spark the interest and get collecting,” said Levy.

Once items are collected, you can conveniently drop off your donations directly to the KACS Food Cupboard any day between Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 p.m. Special volunteers will be at KACS on Friday, March 31 from 3-6 p.m. and then on Saturday, April 1 from 8 a.m. to noon. Please visit KACS website for location information at: www.kacsonline.net.

Additional information such as materials you can use for your drives including flyers, posters, tips on conducting a food drive in your community as well as information about the organization and volunteer opportunities, may be found on the MLK Community of Greater Kennett Square’s website: www. mlkcommunity.org or email them at info@mlkcommunity.org. And, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mlkcommunity.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Last year’s efforts filled the cupboard for the spring. The MLK CommUNITY of Greater Kennett Square asking the community to rally to help Kennett Food Cupboard and West Grove Bridge Food Cupboard.