Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 26, 2009
Responding to the difficult economic times that have put a special strain on area food pantries, RE/MAX, the Chicago real estate leader, has announced that it will be holding a food drive throughout the month of September to benefit local pantries in northern Illinois.
Nearly 70 independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices have made the commitment to serve as drop-off points for contributions of non-perishable food items. Agents and staff at the RE/MAX offices will then deliver the donated items to a local food pantry.
"We urge the public to join us in responding to the growing need for food donations," said Jim Merrion, regional director of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network. "Illinois unemployment has already moved above 10 percent, and many experts expect it to move higher in the next six months, so there are many families who will need food assistance."
Merrion noted that RE/MAX agents are especially aware of the impact these tough times are having on families who must sell or leave their homes because of their economic circumstances.
"On behalf of everyone at RE/MAX, I urge our neighbors to join us in making sure that every family in northern Illinois has enough nutritious food to eat," he said. "We will welcome your contributions and make sure they are delivered to the right place."
To locate a RE/MAX office where you can drop off your contributions to the food drive during September, go to http://www.illinoisproperty.com/food-drive.aspx.
Among the non-perishable food items most urgently needed by pantries in our area are:
Some non-food items are also much needed. They include personal care items, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and shaving cream; household paper products; diapers and baby wipes.
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