MENDHAM, CHESTER, NJ — Halloween bringing October to a close means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and residents in Mendham and Chester may be looking for a way to give back to their communities.
Luckily, there are a number of food drives and pantries accepting donations at the turn of the month and throughout November, so residents can do just that.
See a list of food drives taking place in each community next month:
Drakewick's 7th Annual Halloween Food Drive (Mendham Township): Running Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, residents can drop off donations at a DPW trailer near the pond at Walsingham Road and Trimingham Court. The collection benefits the Interfaith Food Pantry Network. Requested items include turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables and fresh produce. More information is available on the township's website.
2nd Annual Harvest of Hope Community Food Drive (Chester Borough): Running Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, residents can bring donations to the gazebo on Main Street. The drive benefits the Chester Mendham Food Pantry and focuses on household necessities, including toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish detergent and personal hygiene products. More information is available here.
West Morris Junior Women's Club Thanksgiving Food Drive (Mendham & Chester): Running through Nov. 18 at 4 p.m., the annual drive involves Hilltop Elementary School, Mendham Township Elementary School and Chester Girl Scouts. The collection supports local organizations, including the Chester Mendham Food Pantry, nourish.NJ and Market Street Mission. Members of the public can also contribute. More information is available on the club's website.
Mendham Borough Holiday Food Drive: Scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mendham Department of Public Works, 37 Ironia Road. The collection benefits the Chester Mendham Food Pantry. Requested items include cranberry sauce, stuffing, chicken broth, gravy, fried onions, marshmallows, shelf-stable milk, rice and applesauce. Gift cards in $25 increments are also welcome. More information is available here.
Residents can also donate year-round to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry, located at 100 North Road in Chester. Donations are accepted Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m., and collection bins are available at several locations throughout the area, including Chester ShopRite and local libraries.