POTSDAM - Four Potsdam businesses have stepped up to help the Raquette River Lions Club oversee and collect non-perishable items for three area food pantries.

From Saturday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 7, the food drive will be ongoing. Potsdam Price Chopper, IGA, Save-a-Lot and Big Lots will provide shopping carts for donated items during the stores’ open hours.

“Because of the pandemic’s safety precautions we are unable to do our usual winter food drive in person at the stores,” according to current Raquette River Lions Club President Michelle Theisen. “We are grateful to these valued stores for their help, as we partner to help those in need, especially at this challenging time. We also appreciate our community members who steadily support helping others.”

Each store will have a shopping cart prominently placed, with a “Raquette River Lions Food Drive” sign. Shoppers can choose canned or boxed foods to donate, as well as personal care items, and put them in the designated carts.

After March 7, the Lions will collect and distribute the items to the area food pantries, Potsdam Neighborhood Center, Helping Hands and Norwood-Norfolk-Raymondville Outreach.

To make a money donation to assist the food pantries, send a check to Raquette River Lions Club, PO Box 723, Potsdam, NY 13676.