Aurora’s Holiday Food Drive Launches; Community Rallies for Renewal

UPDATE: The 18th annual Aurora Holiday Food Drive kicks off today, November 4, 2023, and runs until November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. This year’s theme of renewal reflects not just the season but also the reopening of Prisco’s Family Market, a long-time participant in the drive that had been closed for months due to storm damage.

Katie Arko, executive director of the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, emphasized the grassroots nature of the drive, stating, “It brings in a lot of food for us.” With the pantry serving over 1,500 families weekly, the urgent need for food supplies is heightened as the holiday season approaches.

The food drive is crucial this year, as community resources are dwindling. “The price of groceries remains high, jobs are tough right now,” Arko noted, highlighting the pressing challenges facing families in Aurora.

Prisco’s owner, Andy Guzauskas, expressed relief at reopening just in time for the drive. “November is too important of a month – for the food pantry and the community – to not be open,” he stated. Guzauskas had purchased food for the drive back in August, anticipating a much earlier reopening.

The Holiday Food Drive, initiated by businessman Daniel Dolan, aims to replenish pantry shelves when the demand peaks. With the economy tightening, the need for donations is more critical than ever. The pantry will also rely on volunteers to help with food collection and delivery, as demand continues to rise.

Participants can buy $5, $10, or $15 grocery bags at local stores, including Prisco’s, Cermak Fresh Market, and Food Market La Chiquita. Donations are also accepted online at www.aurorafoodpantry.org/holidayfooddrive/.

Local churches, service organizations, and groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are already engaged in collecting food. The Aurora Fire Department will assist with deliveries, but the pantry urgently needs more volunteers for its delivery service to meet increasing demands.

As the drive unfolds, the community is encouraged to participate in any way possible. “We look for creative ways to make sure people don’t do without,” Arko stated, underscoring the collaborative spirit of Aurora.

With the drive now active and the community rallying together, everyone can play a part in ensuring that no family goes hungry this holiday season.