Tis’ the season to lend a hand

Food Pantry collecting gift cards

     Christmas is five weeks away and to assure local families have a feast on the table and gifts under the tree, the Coal City Food Pantry is preparing for its annual holiday distribution.
    As its does each year, the pantry will host a special food and gift distribution early in December. And when it comes to the gifting, it’s decided to try something new this Christmas.
    “In the past we have asked for specific gifts for our children. This year we are asking for your help with purchasing $35 Walmart gift cards for them instead of gifts,” said Coal City Food Pantry president Barb Kent.
    The gift cards will allow parents to shop for their children.
    In 2017, 112 children were provided gifts through the program and Kent expects a similar number of children this holiday season.
    Individuals who would like to donate a gift card can do so by delivering the gift, by Wednesday, Dec. 5, to the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 E. McArdle Rd., between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Questions can be directed to the food pantry at 815-216-3288.
    “Thank you for helping us to provide these much- needed gifts for our children this Christmas,” Kent said.
    The food pantry is also seeking assistance from the community to sort and organize donations collected through the annual Cub Scout Pack 466 food drive.
    Donations made during the drive, set for Sunday, Dec. 2, go to local families in need through the annual holiday distribution.
    Beginning Monday, Dec. 3 and continuing through Friday, Dec. 7, the food pantry will set up in the education wing of the United Methodist Church between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to sort and organize items collected.
    “This is a huge task to accomplish since all food items need to be checked for dates,” Kent said.
    Distribution to families that have pre-registered will take place on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9-11 a.m.  Most recipients pick up at the church, however a few deliveries need to be made and volunteers are needed for these tasks as well.
    Anyone who is willing to help the food pantry during the first week of December is welcome.