All Lake County YMCA branches will be collecting peanut butter and jelly from its members and the community throughout the month of December to replenish local food pantries in January.

“Last year we were able to collect 1,946 jars of peanut butter and jelly which was distributed to over 10 local food pantries including McKinley Community Center, Madison Food Bank, local church food pantries, Willoughby Food Pantry, and End 68 hours of hunger.  By helping to fill their pantries with PB&J they can spend precious resources on other important needs. It was a record year for our collection and we hope the support this year is as strong,” said Margaret Warner, healthy living director of the Lake County West End Y.

Any size peanut butter and jelly donations are accepted at the Lake County Central Y in Painesville, at the West End Y in Willoughby, and at the East End Y in Madison.

“The Lake County Y is dedicated to supporting individuals and offering help in trying times, including feeding the needs of our community. The Christian Emphasis Committee at West End Y started the collection six years ago and now the whole association is involved which allows us to make a much greater community impact. Our community grows stronger each year as evidenced by the growing support of this program and others at the Y,” added Warner.

For more information regarding the Spread the Joy food collection contact the Lake County West End Y at 440-946-1160.