More than 100 volunteers stood outside nine Kirkland grocery stores over the weekend of Sept. 27 and 28 and collected more than 9,000 pounds of food and $2,400 as part of Kirkland’s Month of Concern for the Hungry Food Drive. These amounts are double from what was collected last year. The donations benefit Kirkland residents and will be available at Hopelink’s Kirkland location.

Items are still needed to support the Food Bank. Peanut butter, dry pasta, cereal, spaghetti sauce, and soup are products most needed. Canned goods such as beans, meat, fruit, vegetables, tuna, meals and envelopes of powdered milk are also needed. Food donations can also be made at Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Avenue and Hopelink’s Kirkland/Northshore Food Bank and Emergency Services office, 11011 120th Ave. NE., Kirkland, WA 98033, during regular business hours.

In 2013, nearly 6,000 pounds of food and over $1,300 in cash donations were received. This year’s Food Drive was coordinated by Kirkland Neighborhoods, city of Kirkland’s Neighborhood Services and Hopelink. About 250 volunteer hours were dedicated to the Food Drive.