MENDOTA - The Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry, 918 Main St. is stocking their shelves in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Food pantry manager, Bev Banks and assistant manager, Dan Carr said while all donations are welcome, they need some special items to help cover their holiday distributions.

The holiday items include sweet potatoes, fruit cocktail, cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, boxes of stuffing, turkey gravy packets, Jello and corn muffin mix. The Thanksgiving holiday distribution will take place on Friday, Nov. 17.

Also needed are various every day items including sloppy joe mix, canned beans, canned ravioli/spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, any food for special dietary needs (Ensure protein drinks, low sugar), pop top microwaveable spaghetti, ravioli or lasagna (for kids, no can opener required), pancake items, tuna fish, laundry detergent, baby food, diapers, canned vegetables, plastic bags (quart and gallon size) and garbage bags.

Donations are accepted at the food pantry from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Monetary donations may be dropped off or mailed to them at Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry, 918 Main St., Suite 1, Mendota, IL 61342.

In addition, the food pantry is in need of volunteers especially on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. to assist clients with shopping. No time commitment is required. Volunteers may come one time or as often as they wish. Anyone interested in helping should stop by or call (815) 538-2211.