FOOD DRIVE — Sam Nicosia, left, a social media specialist, and Sarita Asawa, outreach coordinator, both with the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, show off a recyclable container that will be used to collect food items at library branches. The containers have been donated by Interstate Waste Services. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is collecting items for a food drive to support the community.

During the drive, which opened Monday and continues through Dec. 6, the library will collect non-perishable food items such as canned goods, peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes and other shelf-stable items. Community members are encouraged to drop off donations at their library branch during regular operating hours.

“The food drive is a part of the library’s EveryBody Cares initiative,” said Sarita Asawa, outreach coordinator. “Hosting this food drive is another way we can make a difference for local families during this time of need.”

Donations that are given to the library branches of Adena, Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant, Brilliant and Tiltonsville will help those in need at the Smithfield Food Pantry. Food items collected at the Main Library and Schiappa Branch will go to the Urban Mission, and items given to the Toronto Branch will go directly to Helping Hands of Toronto.

Containers for the drive have been donated by Interstate Waste Services.