It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again. Despite 90-degree temperatures and bright blue waves, summer has come to an end, and Long Beach has landed in the season of giving.

But Food Finders is ready. The charitable organization announced that it is kicking off its annual Holiday Food Drive today, which will run through December 31.

“The generosity of our community contributing to the annual holiday food drive year after year ensures that more families can have a special meal at Thanksgiving and wholesome food for months following the holidays,” said Patti Larson, executive director for Food Finders in a statement.

Currently, the organization is encouraging all neighborhood centers, libraries and more to serve as drop-off locations for the non-perishable food items to be donated in the food drive, offering to supply collection bins to volunteering organizations.

Food Finders is especially interested in donations for meal staples, such as canned vegetables, stuffing, gravy, pie filling and canned meats, as well as pet food for families in need. A complete list of appropriate donation items can be found here. 

Monetary donations are also encouraged, as two turkeys can be purchased for every $25 donated, Food Finders organizers note in a release issued today.

“We are thankful for Food Finders donations – they help keep our pantries stocked and our community fed not just during the holidays but throughout the year,” said Chaplain Robert Probst, executive director of Long Beach Rescue Mission in a statement.

And, in the annual tradition, the Thanksgiving Packing and Sorting Event will be held Friday, November 20 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Los Alamitos, where volunteers will converge in the church gym to pack and sort the boxes for families.

Food Finders is also looking for volunteers to help distribute the boxes to agencies and families on November 21 from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.

To volunteer for Food Finders Holiday Food Drive and Thanksgiving Packing and Sorting Event or to distribute collected food, or to help collect canned food at your place of business, please call Diana Lara at 562. 283.1400 ext. 101 or Chris Wong extension 102. The Holiday Food Drive continues through December 31. For a drop off location, call 562.283.1400 or visit online at www.foodfinders.org.