The Des Plaines Postal Service has teamed up with the Closet & Food Pantry for a one-day Red Barrel food drive this fall. In conjunction with "Make A Difference Day" these organizations are asking the people of Des Plaines to place non-perishable food items in the Red Barrel of their choice around town on Oct. 22. The Red Barrels are located at various schools, churches, businesses, grocery stores and public buildings such as Des Plaines City Hall, the Des Plaines Public Library and the Des Plaines Post Office.

The Des Planes Postal Service plans to get the word out about this event by delivering a postcard about the "Make A Difference Day" project to Des Plaines households. The Des Plaines Post Office and the Food Pantry last teamed up in May for the National Association of Letter Carriers annual food drive.

The Self-Help Closet & Pantry, founded in 1971, currently serves about 1,000 Des Plaines residents each month. The Self-Help Closet & Pantry is located at 600 E. Algonquin Rd.

For further information contact Debra Walusiak, SHC&P Community Resource Director, at 847/337-1443.