September 21, 2025
The Pack the Ark Pantry High Holy Day Collection Drive will take place throughout the day on Yom Kippur Day, Thursday, October 2, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Now more than ever, our community looks to The Ark as one in five Jewish households in the Greater Chicagoland area struggle to make ends meet. More than 3,000 Jewish individuals and families rely on The Ark’s pantries in Chicago and Northbrook for kosher food, household essentials, and personal care items – up 20% over last year. Forty percent of the Ark’s pantry inventory is collected through donations during the High Holy Day season.
There are three ways to donate to the food drive:
If you elect to drop off items, please note that The Ark does not accept Del Monte or Kirkland canned vegetables or items in glass containers. Foods that do not meet The Ark’s kosher or expiration date standards will be transferred to Connections for the Homeless for distribution to their clients.
Connections for the Homeless Clothing Drive! The items requested include men’s and women’s new underwear. Men’s preferably boxer style. Men’s casual clothing, which includes jeans, khakis, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweat pants, jackets, and belts. Men’s and women’s shoes, and especially winter boots. Rolling suitcases and backpacks. Men’s, women’s, and children’s winter accessories such as gloves, scarves, and hats. Children’s winter coats.
Order much-needed items through our Amazon Wishlist or drop off your donation when you arrive for services or anytime during Yom Kippur Day.
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
