Published: Nov 19, 2013 | 09:00 AM

Annual Food Drive: Irvine Ranch Water District Helps Feed Hungry

In this festive season of giving, it’s hard to believe more than 400,000 people in Orange County don’t know where their next meal is coming from. For the sixth consecutive year, IRWD is holding a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County from November 18-December 6.

Collection boxes are set up in the IRWD Human Resources office, to the right of the reception desk. Customers who might be visiting IRWD to pay their bills or conduct any other business, are invited to help us help others.

Please bring in any non-perishable or non-refrigerated item from now until December 6. If you are stumped on what would be acceptable, we have implemented a theme this year.

For example, during the first week, it’s Macaroni Monday; Tuna Tuesday; Wellness Wednesday (low sodium, low fat); Toiletries Thursday and Fruity Friday.

Week two, which is the shortened Thanksgiving week, we are going international: Monday is Italian day, Tuesday is Asian Day and Wednesday is Mexican day.

Week three: Meaty Monday; Tasty Treat Tuesday; Whole Grain Wednesday; Tin-canned Soup Thursday and Free-for-All Friday.

We are accepting these donations at our headquarters office, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. Business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Together, we can help those less fortunate. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County began its work in 1983 and currently serves more than 470 member charities that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers and homes for abused women and children.

More information about IRWD is located on our website.