State Rep. Nicole La Ha is collecting food donations to restock the HCS Family Services pantries that serve Hinsdale and Willowbrook families.

The drive runs Nov. 2 through Nov. 20, according to La Ha's office. Residents can drop off items at La Ha's district office at 12271 Walker Road in Lemont, not at the pantries themselves. Office hours for drop-off are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The collected food and supplies will go to HCS Family Services, a nonprofit that has served western suburban families since 1937. The organization operates pantries in Hinsdale at 22 N. Elm St. and in Willowbrook at Anne M. Jeans School, 16W631 91st St. Together, those locations provide groceries to more than 500 families each week, according to both La Ha's office and HCS.

"As a mother, I know how important it is for every family to have food on the table and the basic necessities to care for their children," La Ha said in a statement. "This food drive is an opportunity for all of us to come together and make a meaningful difference for families who may be going through a difficult time."

La Ha represents Illinois House District 82, which includes portions of Hinsdale and Willowbrook along with Burr Ridge, Darien, Lemont and several other communities.

What to donate

HCS lists these as its highest-priority items on its pantry wish list:

  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly or jam
  • Ready-to-eat soup
  • Canned tuna
  • Canned chicken
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole grain cereal
  • Cooking oil
  • Dish soap
  • Diapers

All donations must be unopened, shelf-stable and within their expiration or use-by date.

Residents with questions about the drive can call La Ha's district office at (630) 755-4296.

The Hinsdale pantry offers curbside distribution on Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. The Willowbrook location distributes on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Families in need of food support can call 630-280-8730 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 and 11 a.m. to schedule an in-person shopping appointment at the Hinsdale pantry.