AmeriCorps Food Drive Has Three Northeast Queens Drop-Off Sites

AmeriCorps will kick off its third annual Pack It Up for Purim food drive with three collection sites in northeast Queens.

Little Neck’s Samuel Field Y is hosting the drive, which will run from Jan. 25 to Feb. 15.

Drop-off sites include the Y, which is located at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, as well as the Bay Terrace Center (212-00 23rd Ave. in Bayside) and Little Neck Jewish Center (49-10 Little Neck Parkway).

AmeriCorp’s Rachael Cline said this year’s goal is to collect enough food to distribute 2,500 packages across the five boroughs.

The sluggish economy and Hurricane Sandy’s recent visit to the city have created more of a need for donations this year.

“I think, under the circumstances, that there’s more of a need this year,” Cline said. “Our goal is about 500 packages greater than last year.”

Items that can be donated include cereal, oatmeal, pasta, canned vegetables, rice, dried fruit, granola bars, canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly and any other non-perishable food.

Local residents can also sign up to package the food to be sent out to food pantries.

For more information, call Daniel Friedman at 718-225-6750, ext. 546.