The Downey Council PTA HELPS food drive starts today, giving Downey residents a chance to help families in need this winter.
The council is requesting donations of mostly nonperishable items, which can include the likes of toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, crackers, chili, muffin mix, canned tomatoes, bagged rice, tuna, and cereal. The list is not limited to these items though, and a more expansive list of the goods that can be donated can be found on the PTA website.
Downey Council PTA HELPS was begun in the 1960s by Downey PTA members and their families. They wanted to help families in the Downey Unified School District during difficult times. As well as being a food pantry and a nonprofit organization, HELPS also acts as an emergency-based food activity, working with Downey residents and students, as well as assisting elderly residents.
The pantry is run entirely by volunteers, and is open Wednesdays and Fridays. This year, the pantry has helped 250 families, and recently completed its annual distribution of Thanksgiving baskets.
The Christmas food drive runs through December 14. People who wish to make donations may drop them off at the Downey Police Department, or at the administration building at Warren High School. Organizations like this could use banner printing to decorate the drop-off locations.
The pantry will distribute the items December 19.
