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The Village of Woodridge, Woodridge Public Library, and the West Suburban Community Pantry are teaming up to bring a community food drive to the citizens of Woodridge. The food drive will run from August 7, 2023, through September 10, 2023, and the donation barrels will feature Andy Warhol-inspired soup can art as a part of the DuPage WARHOL Pop Art Challenge. The challenge kicked off in June when the Warhol 2023 art exhibit opened at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, featuring over 200 pieces of Andy Warhol art and photos. The DuPage WARHOL Pop Art Challenge encourages cities across DuPage County to host Andy Warhol-themed events. There are currently 21 cities participating in the Challenge, including Woodridge, which will now add the Woodridge Warhol Food Drive to its list of programming. Other Woodridge Warhol-inspired events include art displays and even live music. "The Warhol-inspired Soup Barrel food collection containers are a great way to draw attention to the needs of our local residents," said Patti Naisbitt, Woodridge Public Library Director. "The DuPage WARHOL Pop Art Challenge allowed us to celebrate our hometown heroes who have devoted themselves to helping others in and around Woodridge-the food drive gives everyone an opportunity to lend their support." Naisbitt is referring to the Andy Warhol-themed hometown hero portraits that were added to the Woodridge Public Library windows this summer as a part of the DuPage WARHOL Pop Art Challenge. Woodridge's hometown heroes include:

JANO Neighborhood Outreach Co-Founder, Anne Banks Former Woodridge Park District Commissioner and Board President, Fred Hohnke Former Woodridge Mayor, William Murphy West Suburban Community Pantry Co-Founder, Barbara Schmith All Woodridge Warhol Food Drive donations will benefit the West Suburban Community Pantry (WSCP) located in Woodridge. Recently, Congressman Bill Foster visited the pantry, where he learned that there is a 75 percent increase in the need for food and support services. The WSCP currently serves over 110,000 people in both DuPage and Will Counties. "We've seen a dramatic increase in need in the last year," said Suzanne Armato, WSCP CEO. "Nationally, food pantries are struggling to make sure they have enough food-I am so grateful for our community that comes together to take care of one another. Every donation makes an impact." Woodridge Warhol Food Drive donation barrels will be located at:

The Woodridge Public Library 3 Plaza Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517

Woodridge Village Hall 5 Plaza Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517

Fred C. Hohnke Community Center 2600 Center Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517

The Woodridge Park District ARC 8201 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL 60517

Woodridge Jewel-Osco 2317 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517

Skeleton Key Brewery 8102 Lemont Rd. # 300, Woodridge, IL 60517

Robert F. Girgis, DDC, LTC. Orthodontist 7350 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL 60517

All non-perishable and personal care items will be accepted. Examples of these items include dry pasta, peanut butter, canned food items, pancake mix, bottled beverages, whole grains, rice, cleaning supplies, wipes, diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.

"We are so thankful for the West Suburban Community Pantry, which helps to nourish our community and empower our neighbors through resources and services," said Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham. "It is our honor and pleasure to partner on this food drive, which we are optimistic that our community will be eager to participate in."

The Village of Woodridge, the Woodridge Public Library, and the WSCP encourage food drive participants to share photos of donations and with Andy Warhol-themed barrels by using the hashtag #WoodridgeWarhol across social media. For more information about the Woodridge Warhol Food Drive, please visit http://www.woodridgelibrary.org/warhol or contact Village of Woodridge Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Jamie Bonnema, at [email protected].