As part of Elgin’s 28th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, the MLK Celebration Committee is hosting their third annual community-wide food drive. 

Food that is collected between now and January 19th will be distributed to local pantries to provide much needed food through the winter months, when the pantries frequently have severe shortages. Shortages are expected to increase this year due to recent cutbacks on food stamps.

All Elgin fire stations and other city facilities will serve as drop off sites for food collection. Fire Chief John Fahy hopes that his fire stations are brimming with food for the hungry this year. “ Especially in the winter months, the need for food is great in our community. Our stations are located in every neighborhood, making it easy for everyone to drop off a bag of canned goods.”

Resident can drop off their donations at the following locations: 

East Side  Fire Station One, 550 Summit St.; Fire Station Five, 801 Villa St; City Hall, 150 Dexter Court; West Side Fire Station Two, 650 Big Timber Rd.; Fire Station Three, 2455 Royal Blvd.; Fire Station Four, 599 S. McLean Blvd; Fire Station Six., 707 W. Chicago St.; Fire Station Seven – 3270 Longcommon Pkwy.

Food can also be donated at all local Elgin and South Elgin Jewel Stores, Elgin Fresh Markets, Butera Food Stores and Walgreen Drug stores as well as at many local churches.

For more information on all of the events please go to www.cityofelgin.org/mlk or contact the City of Elgin at (847) 931-5667.

–News Bulletin news sources