Businesses, organizations participating in July food drive

The Lord?s Cupboard of Jefferson County is partnering with Fairfield Hy-Vee Food and Drug Store, Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, Cambridge Investment Research Inc., Fairfield Municipal Band and Fairfield Volunteer Center to host a ?Thanksgiving in July? food drive.

The community-wide event, scheduled Saturday through July 31, provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and civic and faith organizations throughout the community to host their own drives to collect food and donations for the cupboard. The only requirement is that donations be non-perishable, canned or packaged food. It can be as easy as donating several cans of food or sponsoring a food drive through ball games, dances or raffles. Cash donations are appreciated and allow the county?s food pantry to buy bulk food at a reduced cost.

The convention center, volunteer center, Hy-Vee and Lord?s Cupboard will serve as drop-off sites. The convention center also is hosting a comedy night, Laughs for the Lord?s Cupboard, at 8 p.m. July 29. Volunteers will be at the Fairfield Municipal Band concert July 26 accepting cash and food donations, while Cambridge Investment Research is hosting a company-wide contest to collect food items.

All cash and food donations will be given to the cupboard to help in aiding individuals and families in need of assistance.

The Lord?s Cupboard of Jefferson County serves as the county?s sole emergency food pantry, providing for more than 1,000 families each year. Nearly 50 percent of those served by the pantry are under the age of 18.