8 ways to help the hungry in September

In honor of National Hunger Action Month, six Plainfield organizations are holding a community food drive.

The drive will benefit three food programs: Bags of Hope, a private backpack food program, the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry and St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry, according to a news release from the village of Plainfield, one of the sponsoring organizations.

The other five organizations are C.W. Avery Family YMCA, Plainfield Park District, Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield School District 202, and Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bring donations to any of these eight locations through Sept. 30:

• C.W. Avery Family YMCA, 15120 Wallin Drive. The Y will also be collecting nonperishables during its fall membership sale. For more information, visit.jolietymca.org.

• Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St.

• Plainfield School District 202 Administration Center, 15732 Howard St.

• Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce, 24109 W. Lockport St.

• Plainfield Township Community Center, 15014 S. DesPlaines St.

• Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC), 24550 W. Renwick Road.

• Tortilla Flatz Mexican Grill, 13717 S. Route 30.

• Plainfield village hall, 24401 W. Lockport St.

The following food donations are needed: oatmeal/cereal; canned chicken and tuna; peanut butter and jelly; pasta and pasta sauce; flour/sugar; rice; canned fruits and vegetables; soups/ramen; macaroni & cheese; condiments; snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, and cheese & crackers); and boxed potatoes.

The following personal hygiene products are also needed: (soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste); baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, and food); household cleaning products; and paper products (tissues, toilet paper, paper towel).