Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with local students from area schools and the Knolls Co-op Sections 1 and 2.

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 13th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 15th. Food will be donated to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the food pantry at Saint Francis of Rome Church in Wakefield for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons. The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups. No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some of the schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I know this year’s edition will be our biggest and best yet,” Assemblyman Dinowitz said. “I am always impressed by the selfless nature of our residents and school kids, who year after year up the ante by donating more and more food for those in need. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street. For more information, call (718) 796-5345.