The Mayo Performing Arts Center will be hosting its annual holiday food drive November 19-December 26, with all donations going toward the Community Soup Kitchen, based in Morristown.

Patrons attending events are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and personal care items at shows. Donations may also be dropped off at the box office during regular business hours (10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat.). Items of need include cans of soup/chili/stew, low sugar cereal, individual packets of nuts or trail mix, canned chicken and tuna, toiletries such as shampoo, razors, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, warm hats, gloves and scarves, thermal undergarments and white tube socks.

“MPAC is proud to work with Community Soup Kitchen to help provide necessary food and supplies to those individuals in need,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO. “We encourage our patrons to help us in this effort to make the holiday season a joyous time for everyone.”

The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center (CSK) provides nutritious meals in a warm, safe and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment. As part of its hospitality, CSK also encourages and assists its guests in accessing community resources, services and educational programs. In 2012 CSK served over 54,000 meals (that’s an average of 100 to 350 men, women and children each day). They also provided more than 60 tons of food for its guests to take home. For more information about the Community Soup Kitchen, please go to www.cskmorristown.org.