Give Back: Food Drive, Clothing Drive

Remember the days of a neighbor sharing a cup of sugar? We here at Patch know that those acts of kindness—both big and small—continue even today, particularly in the very giving community of Naperville. Today, Naperville Patch launches a new column with the goal of neighbors helping neighbors. This column, Neighbors in Need will spotlight organizations and groups seeking donations or items of need. If you belong to a group or organization that has a specific request, email Local Editor Mary Ann Lopez at maryl@patch.com, referencing “Neighbors in Need."

YMCA Food Drive

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Naperville-area YMCAs are teaming up with Ys across the city and suburbs for a week-long food drive starting Monday to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Members and staff of the , , Y-Sports Complex and other Y of Metro Chicago facilities will rally together in hopes of collecting 10,000 pounds of food.

People are encouraged to drop off donations at the Kroehler, Fry Y and Y Sports Complex or any Y of Metro Chicago location through Monday, Jan. 23.

Clothing Drive

Naperville resident Cyndi Gavin is the pastor at St. John United Church of Christ in Aurora and the church is in great need of clothing for its Clothing Closet. Every item donated is given away to someone in need; nothing is sold.

The church is in need of new or gently used:

• Clothing for men, women and children (all sizes)  
• Shoes, boots, purses, costume jewelry 
• Blankets, sheets, towels (bath and hand) and washcloths 
• Small, clean and working appliances (blenders, toasters, etc.)
• Children's books (no encyclopedias) and stuffed animals

The church will accept ONLY NEW:

• Underwear and socks (all sizes)
• School supplies and backpacks

Items can be donated at the doors on the north side of the church at 309 5th St. in Aurora from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

For more information, contact the church by calling 630-892-1932 or by emailing office@uccaurora.com.