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Huntley church to host Open Your Hearts, Fill the Carts food drive Feb. 20

On Saturday, Feb. 20, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley will hold an "Open Your Hearts, Fill the Carts" drive-through food drive to benefit the Grafton Food Pantry. It will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parking lot, 10805 Main St.

"Our Valentine's Day theme is one gentle way to remind others to love their neighbor and help those in need," said Mike Yndestad, the church's community outreach chairman.

The High School Youth Group and eighth-grade confirmation students, members of the Community Outreach ministry, and Life Group members will accept monetary donations and non-perishable items in the church parking lot from donors, who will not be required to leave their cars for ease and health safety reasons.

"At this time of year, donations are at the lowest level," said Harriet Ford, board of directors, Grafton Food Pantry. "During this very challenging time, efforts such as this food drive greatly contribute to the quality of life of many struggling local families. Our community has a very big heart, and we are very appreciative of Shepherd of the Prairie in taking the lead on this initiative with enthusiastic support over the years. They have been extremely successful in obtaining gift cards, monetary donations, as well as, essential food and household items."

Requested items include unexpired and unopened box meals (ie, skillet meals, Hamburger Helper) and nonperishable food, plus personal care items, such as: shampoo/conditioner, lotion, deodorant, feminine products and cleaning supplies.

Monetary donations are welcome and extend the reach to help others. With every $1 donation, the Grafton Food Pantry is able to purchase an equivalent of $8 for food to help those in need.

The Grafton Food Pantry in Huntley serves individuals in need from Huntley, the Village of Lakewood, as well as portions of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Crystal Lake. Since January 2020, it has averaged serving 471 individuals per month. For more on the pantry, visit graftonfoodpantry.org or www.facebook.com/graftonfoodpantry/.

"Being able to serve our local community serves as practice to how we as Christians can show God's love to the world each and every day," said Kurtis Arndt, Youth Ministry intern. "Our youth are excited to be smiling behind their masks as they look forward to interacting with community members who have the ability to lend a helping hand."

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the faith leadership of Pastor Mark Boster, has served the faith community in Huntley for over 20 years. Visit www.shepherdoftheprairie.com or www.facebook.com/ShepherdofthePrairie/.

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