Blackburn Media's COOL 106.3 is once again teaming up with Home Depot to fill the pantry shelves at the Inn of the Good Shepherd this holiday season.
The annual holiday food drive will be held on Friday, December 12, at the Quinn Drive business.
"We're looking for just general food items. Anything you'd be putting in your pantry or your cupboard at home," said Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni. "The food collected here lasts into the [late] winter and spring, so it really helps fill the cupboards for a number of months," he said.
Rob Jenkins will broadcast live on location with COOL Morning Show Hosts J and Rubino, beginning at 6 a.m.
The Inn will have its truck on site for easy loading and Home Depot will have pallets and boxes ready for donation drop-offs.
Those who stop by can enjoy coffee and donuts, courtesy of Global Donuts and Deli. Businesses can also fill out a ballot for a chance win a Boston Pizza prize.
The live broadcast will end at 10 a.m.
However, donations will be collected at Home Depot all weekend and delivered to the food bank on Monday, December 15.
Vanni said these donation drives are more important than ever.
"We're seeing about 2,300 people a month. So if you consider, two or three years ago, we were averaging 1,850... it really shows the impact of the cost of food, cost of living -- rent, and some workplace challenges," he said. "At the same time, we've seen personal donations -- food donations decrease because families are struggling with the cost of food."
Monterey donations can also be made through the Inn's website. Donors are encouraged to select Cool 106.3 Home Depot Food Drive from the drop-down menu.
