Looking for ways to show your gratitude this holiday season? There are plenty of places where you can get involved in taking care of our Jacksonville community. Show your support at one (or all!) of these three local food drives happening this November and spread those warm holiday vibes!

Carithers + Feeding Northeast Florida

Carithers Pediatric Group and Feeding Northeast Florida are teaming up for a holiday food drive, and they need your help! They’re accepting non-perishable items through Monday, Nov. 15, and you can drop off your donation at their Southside office location on Point Meadows Drive on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, from 8:15 AM - 5 PM, or on Wednesday, from 9:15 AM - 5 PM. For bonus points, bring along a few of their most-needed items, which include peanut butter, jelly, canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, and granola bars. Check out the Carithers website to learn more.

Deermeadows Baptist Church Food Pantry

If you’re looking for a way to serve people experiencing hunger in Jacksonville on a regular basis, check out the Food Pantry at Deermeadows Baptist Church on Baymeadows Road. Their ministry provides non-perishables for anyone experiencing hardship, with hours from 2-4 PM on Tuesdays and 9:30-11:30 AM on Thursdays. You can make a monetary donation to the Food Pantry easily on their giving page, or get in touch about lending a hand.

Mandarin Food Bank at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Old St. Augustine Road runs a volunteer-based ministry to support the Mandarin community that needs extra help around the holidays. Specific donations range from personal items to hot meals, skills training, and gifts for children. The Mandarin Food Bank also serves about 400 families with a holiday meal every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Find out more about how you can help on their website.

For more ways to stay involved and give back to your community, check out The Hawthorne’s blog.