The Claremont Neighborhood Association has customarily held a holiday toy drive via a December social at Shun's Kitchen, but this year, the pandemic was a factor in redirecting the holiday benefit toward tackling food insecurity via contributions to the South End Fridge, a self-serve food pantry consisting of a refrigerator and dry-goods cupboard located in front of Make Shift Boston at 549 Columbus Avenue.

The dates of the drive are Sunday, December 19th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm with a rain date of Monday, December 20th, 6:00 to 7:30 pm; and Wednesday, December 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with a rain date of Thursday, December 23, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The South End Fridge committee is seeking perishable and non-perishable food; personal care items; and food containers and utensils.

A guide to items that are accepted and not accepted is available on-site at the Fridge and on-line at https://www.facebook.com/southendfridge. Anyone interested in donating who cannot make the suggested dates may contact CNA president Bob Barney at robert.L.barney@gmail.com or 617/875-0311 or South End Fridge volunteer Jen Kimball at jenniferakimball@gmail.com or 607/342-1243 to arrange donation pickup by December 24 or drop donations off 24/7 at the Fridge.