North Shore United Way hosts food drive

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Updated: February 22, 2012 12:13PM

North Shore United Way has combined efforts with local businesses and volunteers to coordinate their fourth annual food drive across the region. The 2012 North Shore Food Drive will run from Feb. 11-18 and will support local food pantries in Deerfield, Lake Forest, Evanston, Highland Park, and Glenview, among many others.

Last year, NSUW and local community members collected nearly 10,000 pounds of food, personal care items and other donated goods that helped support North Shore area food pantries and residents. A big part of the 2011 success was the participation from NSUW philanthropic corporate partners who continue to serve as donation drop-off locations.

“More than 25,000 North Shore residents are considered food insecure,” said Lorelei Beaucaire, chief professional officer at the North Shore United Way. “They don’t know where their next meal will come from. With this food drive, North Shore residents can join United Way community partners and volunteers to help individuals in crisis in their region.”

Local pantries have requested unopened and unexpired cans and boxes of food (no glass, please) to benefit the needs of the families they serve. Requested items include canned fruits and vegetables, soup and pasta. Paper goods and personal care products, including diapers, bathroom tissue and toothpaste, are welcome as well.

For a full list of drop-off locations, requested items and how to participate, please contact North Shore United Way at (847) 674-2668 or visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/northshorefooddrive.

The 2012 North Shore Food Drive donations will benefit seven North Shore pantries: Northfield Township Food Pantry (Glenview), New Trier Township Pantry (Winnetka), West Deerfield Township (Deerfield), Church of the Holy Spirit (Lake Forest), Moraine Township Pantry (Highland Park), Salvation Army (Evanston), and Harvest Food Pantry (Evanston).