Donate to the many food drives around South Philly this holiday season

The holiday season is a special time to decorate the house, be thankful for and spend time with your loved ones and take the time to help someone in need.

Here's the haul from Second Street Irish Society's Annual Canned Food Drive in 2013
Here’s the haul from Second Street Irish Society’s Annual Canned Food Drive in 2013

While our schedules may be jam-packed with plans, work and other life happenings, something as simple as donating a single can of food can make a huge difference. We all know the South Philadelphia community loves to help out, so we’ve compiled a list of food drives and donation opportunities for you to provide for someone in need.

Here are the details for the Pennsport area food drive
Here are the details for the Pennsport area food drive

Pennsport: The Second Street Irish Society will be going door-to-door around the neighborhood to drop off collection bags and fliers for their annual food drive. Donations will be delivered to Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger. Basically, the fill the bag with non-perishable food items and leave it on your step and they’ll pick it up — how easy is that? You can also drop off your bags at their headquarters located at 1937 S. 3rd St. on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 from 12 p.m to 5 p.m.

Louis Carberry, the club’s Vice President, said they’ve collected over 32,000 lbs. since it started six years ago. “The Second Street Irish Society’s canned food drive is just a small example of our club and neighborhood’s generosity, kindness and commitment to those who are less fortunate.”

Camp Out For Hunger: Each year, WMMR’s Preston & Steve runs a massive food drive benefiting Philabundance. This year’s drive has already kicked off, with the main Camp Out starting Dec.1 at Xfinity Live! Here are the details: Donations accepted Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday,  6 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1100 Pattison Ave.

ACME: Both South Philly ACME locations have partnered with WMMR’s Camp Out for Hunger and are now offering donation drop boxes at the front of each store at 10th and Reed St. and 19th and Oregon Ave. It’s as simple as picking up a few extra items and donating them right on the spot. ACME is also offering pre-made Camp Out bags for $10. This is really easy, people.

Philabundance: Did you know that the donation center for Philabundance is located just a short trip away at 3616 S. Galloway St. near the stadiums? You can drop off your non-perishable food items right there and, if you have a little time to spare, volunteer to help out even more. Here’s a list of their highest-priority food items in handy .pdf form!

Eat Healthy! Give Healthy! Food Drives: Do you shop at the Fitler Square or Headhouse Farmers’ Markets? Well, The Food Trust partnered with the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger to run a healthy food drive to benefit Green Light Pantries this holiday season. Donate at Filter Square on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Headhouse on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2.p.m. Just like with ACME, you shop and donate in the same place.

Do you know of any other holiday food drives or pantries around South Philly this holiday season? Share it with us and we’ll be glad to add it to the list!