Fifty-one local businesses participated in the second annual United Way of Southwest Michigan “Christmas in June” food drive last week.

The food drive was created because local food pantries typically do not receive many donations during the summer months. This can leave low-income, hard-working families with limited options during this time of year.

To combat this, United Way of Southwest Michigan asked local businesses to participate in a “Christmas in June” event to stock local food pantries with items to get them through the warmer months.

This year, 51 businesses in Berrien and Cass counties participated in “Christmas in June,” collecting more than 20,000 items that were delivered to 33 area pantries — and bringing much-needed cheer to local families and those in the community who serve them. There was a big jump in participation in the event this year, according to organizers. Last June, 34 organizations collected 15,000 items for 22 area pantries.

“It’s clear that we need to continue working together to combat food insecurity year-round,” said Charlotte Becker, director of annual campaign at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “When we come together and work as a community, we all win — and this event is an opportunity for everyone to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“Christmas in June” is part of a worldwide United Way “Day of Action” effort, hosted on and around June 21, during which tens of thousands of people across the globe volunteer with local United Ways to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

United Way of Southwest Michigan seeks to advocate for health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. They try and accomplish this mission by harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit and public partners. To learn more, visit uwsm.org.