ETHS grads offer a second summer of food drives.

Last summer, in the thick of the pandemic, three ETHS graduates--Margaret Bamgbose, Parker English, and Grace Sarkor--organized food drives in the parking lot opposite the high school to help Evanston families put food on their tables. They called their effort Evanston Gives Back.

This summer, with their effort renamed Kula Kitchen, Margaret and Parker are back at ETHS Parking Lot 1A (on Dodge, opposite the high school's front entrance) feeding families facing food insecurity.

"Kula means community in Sanskrit," Margaret explained. "We think that's a perfect fit."

Last year, thanks to many residents who stepped up and donated food items, the team distributed more than 1,000 grocery bags of food to more than 200 families at their first drive. They decided to do a second drive, which brought in even more donations for their giveaway and allowed the young women to deliver food to three senior residential homes.

This March, Kula Kitchen partnered with Koi Fine Asian Cuisine and donated dinners to families in need. Now they're back at ETHS with four more food drives.

Two weeks ago, they held their first drive of 2021 and are looking forward to this Saturday, July 31 for the next one.

They're looking to community members to help make it a success:

• If you can donate food, please drop it off from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• If you need food for yourself and your family, please pick up a bag from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mark your calendars:

In addition to this Saturday, Margaret and Parker and their team will be at ETHS Parking Lot 1A on Dodge opposite ETHS on August 14 and August 21.

Need more info about the food drives and how you can support Kula Kitchen, volunteer, or receive a bag of groceries for your family? Please email Parker English.