The Annual Holiday Food Drive allowed many different ways for the community to participate.  Community members could purchase pre-packed bags of groceries for $5, $10, or $15 at Prisco’s Fine Foods.  Prisco’s also featured an area in their lot, along with Douglas Carpet One, where community members could drop off any food they had already purchased elsewhere.  Another option was to make a monetary donation in any amount or purchase grocery store gift certificates and send them to the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.  Finally, community members could also volunteer their time passing out fliers at Prisco’s, sorting and boxing up food.  “The variety of organizations that helped collect, sort and box the food was impressive,” said Cheryl Kessler of Dolan & Murphy.  “Those who stepped up to the plate included service clubs and organizations, schools, churches, businesses, and individuals.  This is truly an outstanding community, which gave generously of it time and resources.”

The Annual Holiday Food Drive was able to exceed everyone’s expectations.  Approximately 1,400 pre-made bags were purchased and donated at Prisco’s Fine Foods by individuals, and approximately 2 semi-loads of food were collected and donated through various cooperating efforts.  “The response from the community was overwhelming and the Pantry now has reserves to help meet the increase in requests for food assistance it has been experiencing,” said Dan Dolan.  A special thank you goes out to all of the sponsors, especially Dolan & Murphy for bringing this Drive to the Aurora area, local businesses, organizations and community members for their immense support and dedication.  The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry will distribute the food to individuals and families in need throughout the next several months!