BETTENDORF, Iowa - Churches United of the Quad Cities has teamed up with local churches and grocery stores to organize the "Thanksgiving in July" food drive.
The community-wide food drive brings together the entire Quad Cities area in an attempt to provide food for 26 local food pantries in Rock Island and Scott County as well as 3 hot meal sites operated by Churches United.
According to Churches United, "food pantries struggle to meet the increased demand without cutting back services. They depend on the community to help pull them together."
Volunteers agree that it is important that this food drive takes place during this time of year.
"People are not just hungry during the holidays. I mean they are hungry throughout the year," said Dana Nicholas who volunteers at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bettendorf on July 1st. " We can help them and that's a good thing."
Local grocers like HyVee and Fareway Stores along with other locations have designated drop off locations with boxes to collect donations. Donations can also be brought to Churches United Offices in Bettendorf.
The organization is collecting non-perishable foods and paper products.
Donations will be accepted through the end of July.