WKAR Radio and Television are hosting the stations’ annual drive for the Greater Lansing Food Bank now through Dec. 15.

Those wishing to participate may bring items of commercially bagged, boxed or canned food to the South Lobby of the Communication Arts & Sciences Building on MSU's campus and leave them in the food bank bin.

In addition to individual donations, those collecting within offices, neighborhoods, at private parties or as part of a community service activity are encouraged to use WKAR’s bin as a convenient drop-off site.

Donations will be taken to the food bank pantry in greatest need on the delivery date. Last year’s collection totaled 222 bags/boxes of food.

This year the station hopes to match or top that total.

“We don’t need to remind our community how critical the needs are for our food bank, its area pantries and the people they serve,” said WKAR’s Jeanie Croope. “But this year, with so many unemployed or facing significant family income reductions, the need is even greater than before. WKAR’s drop-off point is an easy one, particularly for those in the East Lansing area or working on the MSU campus. We would like to make two deliveries to the food bank this year, as we did last year - one before Thanksgiving and another before Christmas." 

All items must be non-perishable and attention to expiration dates is requested. Items particularly needed this year include: high-protein items such as stews, canned meats and fish, boxed dinners, peanut butter, beans (kidney, navy, pinto, pork & beans, refried), boxed and canned 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta (macaroni, noodles, ramen, rice), instant potatoes, canned and boxed soup, snack items, baby food and formula and tomato products such as canned tomatoes and pasta sauces.

The food bank also accepts non-food products, including toilet paper and tissue, toothpaste and dental products, soap, shampoo and personal hygiene products.

WKAR is located in the Communication Arts Building on MSU’s campus. The building is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of home football Saturdays. For a map to the station or for more details on the drive, visit WKAR.org.

For additional information about WKAR’s food bank efforts, contact Jeanie Croope at (517) 432-3120, Ext. 424 (jeanie@wkar.org)