GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Alachua County Public Schools is seeking help from the local community to feed hungry children over the holidays.
The district has launched its annual Holiday Food Drive, which provided boxes of food for nearly 900 families last year. Organizers are seeking donations of food items or money to help families during the upcoming Winter Break in December, which runs for two weeks.
“So many families rely on the free meals their children receive at school,” said food drive organizer Kelley Kostamo. “We don’t want children going hungry while schools are closed during the long break.”
The district is continuing its collaboration with the nonprofit organization Food4Kids, which also helps with the collection, packing and distribution of the food boxes. Local businesses, schools, service organizations, churches and other groups are also participating.
A specific list of the food items needed for each box and additional information is available on the district’s website. The district’s goal is to provide all families with similar items, including enough food for regular meals during the break and a holiday meal.
Donations of food can be dropped off at Westwood Middle School (3215 NW 15th Ave.) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and at the District Office (620 E. University Ave.) from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Alternative arrangements can be made by emailing kostamkb@alachuaschools.net or calling (352) 955-7250, ext. 6411.
The district is also using monetary donations to purchase food. Such donations can be made online at The Education Foundation of Alachua County website. Donors should designate ‘Emergency Food/Food Baskets’ on the first drop-drown menu.
The deadline for food donations is December 12. The deadline for monetary contributions is December 15.