Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) is seeking help to feed hungry children over the holidays and is collecting donations for its annual Holiday Food Drive.  

The deadline for food donations is Thursday, Dec. 14. The deadline for monetary contributions is Friday, Dec. 15. Food boxes will be delivered to schools on Saturday, Dec. 18 for distribution before the Winter Break. 

Food donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School (1001 SE 12th St), between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Littlewood Elementary School (812 NW 34th St.) and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Alachua County School District Office (620 E. University Ave.) 

Arrangements can also be made for donations to be picked up by emailing Kelley Kostamo at kostamkb@gm.sbac.edu or calling (352) 955-7250, ext. 6411. 

Last year, ACPS provided boxes of food for about 900 families last year. 

“Many families are dependent on school meals to feed their children every weekday,” said Kostamo, the food drive organizer, in a press release. “Unfortunately, that means they have a hard time making up for the loss of those meals during school holidays and breaks.” 

A specific list of the food items needed for each box is available on the district’s website at www.sbac.edu/foodbox. The district’s goal is to provide all families with similar items, including enough food for regular meals during the break and a holiday meal. 

The district is also using monetary donations to purchase food. Such donations can be made online at The Education Foundation of Alachua County website.