This February, Jewish Family Services is kicking off its annual Spread the Love Campaign.

From Feb. 1 throughout the month, JFS is asking for donations of your favorite spreadables including peanut butter, jelly, honey, and other non-perishable items. Through its two locations, the JFS Food Pantry distributes hundreds of jars of peanut butter and countless other non-perishables, fresh foods, diapers, cleaning supplies, paper goods, hygiene items and pet food to more than 800 families. 

Through the effort, JFS hopes to collect 2,000 jars of spreadables to stock its pantry shelves. JFS is encouraging individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, youth groups and neighborhoods to “spread the love” by hosting a food drive during February.

JFS is offering numerous opportunities to drop off donations:

  • Every Tuesday, noon to 2 p.m., in designated barrels in front circle drive of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St. In Overland Park, and 425 E. 63rd St. in Brookside
  • Sunday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, Community Food Drive in designated barrels in front circle drive of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St. In Overland Park
  • Any weekday during business hours in the lobby of the Jewish Community Campus

“If you are hosting a playoff watch party, ask guests to bring a peanut butter and jelly donation for JFS,” said Jo Hickey, director of JFS Pantry Partnerships. “Or if your workplace has a ‘Wear Red Day’, we suggest a little friendly competition with a peanut butter collection challenge between departments, and everyone becomes a winner.” 

JFS can drop off barrels or totes for your collection and pick up the donations at the conclusion of your drive. Graphics for posters, email and social media are available at jfskc.org/spread-the-love/. Donors may also purchase items for the food pantry directly through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon or make a financial contribution to the pantry at jfskc.org.

JFS is a leader in the Kansas City nonprofit community, providing services that help 10,000 Kansas City neighbors each year — regardless of faith, age, culture, or lifestyle.

If you can host a drive for the Super Bowl or anytime during February, email or call Hickey at (913) 327-8257 to coordinate dates.