ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) is seeking donations for its annual Holiday Food Drive.

The school district says many students in Alachua County receive free lunch through their school’s program. The winter break, which is 18 days can make food supply hard for many families. To assist these families during their break, the district is asking for food and monetary donations to help out.

There are many ways you can help.

You can make a financial donation here.

You can also send in a check made payable to The Education Foundation of Alachua County and mail it to 2802 NE 8th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601.

Last but not least, you can drop off non-perishable food items or $10 gift cards at one of the drop off locations listed below.

Drop off locations:

  • Lincoln Middle School
  • Littlewood Elementary School
  • ACPS District Office

The school district is putting together boxes with a variety of items that add up to $50. The boxes will include a meal kit with meat, three cans of fruit, six cans of vegetables, two large cans of Chef Boyardee-like items, four boxes of mac and cheese, three cans of soup, black beans, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, bag of rice, six cans of chicken or tuna, two boxes of pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, and dessert (brownies, cake), two breakfast items, and a $10 gift card.

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They are also accepting other non-perishable, kid-friendly food items like snacks, muffin mix, ramen, or fruit cups.

ACPS says last year they were able to help out 900 families and hoping to help many more this year.

If you plan to donate, they are also asking you to make sure your non-perishables are not expired items.

Things to remember:

  • Food items donated by December 14
  • Financial needed by December 15
  • Winter break boxes will be distributed on December 18

The school district says they accept food and monetary donations year-round.