(NOV 1 – RED BANK ) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a food and supplies drive to benefit Lunch Break, the celebrated food pantry and life skills organization located in Red Bank.

Throughout the month of November, Count Basie Center patrons are encouraged to bring an item from the list below when attending a show in the historic theater or The Vogel, a class taking place at the Basie Center’s Grunin Arts Education Building, or even a film at Basie Center Cinemas. In previous years, Basie Center patrons have donated tons of non-perishable food items and winter coats and clothing during the organization’s annual November drives.

Lunch Break’s community kitchen offers hot meals daily, creating a vital a community hub that brings neighbors together to share meals and fosters a strong fellowship and mutual support. And its “Your Choice Pantry” is a warm, welcoming space where guests can select their groceries, just like in a traditional market. The organization also operates a mobile community garden market, which organizes farmer’s markets at seven different senior centers in the Red Bank area.

Founded in 1983, Lunch Break’s recently-expanded facility on Drs. James Parker Boulevard encompasses the community kitchen and pantry, Clara’s Closet, where clients can browse and select clothing at no cost, life skills and youth services, plus services in health and wellness, assistance with housing, and Womyn’s Worth, a free personal growth program designed to empower women and optimize their lives.

Requested items for donation:

• Non-perishable food (low sodium or low sugar, if possible)
• Hygiene products
• Baby and adult diapers
• Cleaning supplies
• Laundry supplies

Dropoff boxes will be located in the lobbies of the historic theater, The Vogel, Basie Center Cinemas and in the lower-level Grunin Building reception area.

To learn more about Lunch Break, visit www.lunchbreak.org