EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the El Paso Public Libraries and The Mustard Seed Café are launching a week-long pantry drive to support the local community.

The pantry drive aims to benefit The Mustard Seed Café, a nonprofit kitchen that serves individuals and families in need.

The kickoff event was held on Thursday at The Mustard Seed Café, located at 201 E. Sunset Rd, where donations are now being accepted.

Donations will also be accepted at all El Paso Public Library branches during normal business hours through Jan. 30.

The collected donations will help replenish the café’s kitchen supplies and support its mission to provide nourishing meals in a welcoming environment.

“MLK Day of Service reminds us that everyone can make a difference,” El Paso Public Libraries Director Norma Martinez said. “By hosting this pantry drive across our library branch locations, we are making it easy for residents to give back and support a vital community resource.”

Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Thursday, Carmen Estrada, Director of the Mustard Seed Cafe, said donations will help the community receive a healthy meal.

“This is the first time that we are collaborating with the El Paso Library. You know, we have exactly what you serve to your family, which is what we need here. Because we’re trying to do not just serve a meal, but a healthy meal,” Estrada said.

Community members are encouraged to donate new and unopened items that are within their expiration dates.

A wishlist of donations, including pantry staples, kitchen supplies, and food-service items, is available at all library branches and online here.

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