Numerous community organizations around Mercer Island are organizing food and donation drives to help those who need extra assistance, especially around the holidays.

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) can help through its Family and Emergency Assistance program, which provides support for rent, utility, holiday, back to school and employment assistance as well as the Food Pantry at Luther Burbank Park office.

“We are so grateful for the numerous community groups who organize food drives to help stock the MIYFS Food Pantry and fundraise for MIYFS programs and services,” said Cindy Goodwin, Director, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. “We are thankful for everyone’s support for their neighbors around Thanksgiving and throughout the year.”

If you are interested in hosting your own food and/or donation drive, please contact Kim Richards at MIYFS 206-275-7756.

Current drives:

New Season Market 5 Days of Kindness (add a contribution at register for MIYFS): Nov. 18-22.

MI Athletic Club Food and Donation Drive (incentive for $50 donations): Nov. 20-24.

Firefighter Union 1762 (Managing Food Drives at both QFCs): Nov. 22.

Yogabliss Practices in Gratitude (five yoga classes, class fee donation to MIYFS): Nov. 23.

Islander Middle School food drive: Through Nov. 22.

Island Park Elementary Huskies vs Cougars food drive: Through Nov. 17.

Northwood Elementary food drive: Through Nov. 22.

MIHS family-specific drive: Through Nov. 22.