b'S ummer is over and, with it, a lot Des Moines Area Food Bankof jobsyardwork, painting, restaurant workall quiet down.But construction, airport hotels and at the same time, costs rise. The heating bill goes up, kids need school clothes and winter clothes, and the holidays are fast upon us. It can be a hard time for families to make ends meet.As we head into the winter months, please consider supporting the Des Moines Area Food Bank. Visitors receive several days worth of canned, fresh and frozen foods each month and the food bank provides separate service for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for families in our service area.In November and December, the biggest needs at the food bank include whole chickens, turkeys, canned corn, canned green beans, jello, canned yams, vegetable oil, baby wipes and diapers size 3-6. We will need to purchase many of these items plus thousands of pounds of fresh produce during the holidays, so cash donations are much appreciated to ensure that families in need can weather the season. Donations can be made on-line through our website at www.myfoodbank.com or by check at PO Box 98788, Des Moines, 98198. You can also support us at our holidaySaturday, December 6th, from 10:30Essentials Bank until November 14th.gift wrap booth in December at The- 1:30. A huge variety of ChristmasThe Des Moines Essentials Bank Commons Mall in Federal Way. gifts and decorations will be available Des Moines Essentials BankFREE of charge. This event will be heldprovides household goods and gears up for Christmas at the Des Moines United Methodistchildrens clothing free of charge. It is Church Hall. open every Wednesday 10:00 to1:00. The shop is located at the Des Moines The Des Moines Essentials BankDonations of holiday decorUnited Methodist Church, adjacent to will be holding a Christmas Market onwill continue to be accepted at thethe Des Moines Area Food Bank.12|DES MOINES CITY CURRENTS|WINTER 2026'