During the holiday season most people think about giving to those less fortunate, but the need for food assistance is year round.

Washington HACAP, Mercy Iowa City, and United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties are embracing the holiday spirit this month with the Thanksgiving in July food drive. Residents are encouraged give food and monetary donations to participating locations as well as the HACAP office in Washington. All food and funds donated will go directly to the HACAP Food Pantry in Washington and will be distributed to individuals and families in need of assistance throughout Washington County.

Thanksgiving in July Founder Ron Hall explains why residents should participate in the food drive, “A lot of people don’t realize the actual amount of need in the different communities but going from community to community that I see right now this food goes to 51 different food pantries as opposed to the one pantry that we started with. Any community that you go to that need is there and in the summertime it’s more so, the kids don’t get the school meals like they would during the fall and spring.”

The Thanksgiving in July food drive lasts until July 22nd. The KCII Big Red Radio will be participating in the drive at several area businesses this week as part of the KCII Summer Town Tour. Local businesses participating include Hy-Vee, Fareway, Wal-Mart, Hills Bank, Federation Bank, US Bank, Washington State Bank, Washington Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Hospital and Clinics, Moore’s BP, and Cafe Dodici. Collected food can be dropped off at HACAP t 2175 Lexington Blvd, Building #1 in Washington during the hours of 8-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 319-653-5300 to make additional arrangements for delivery.