Sonoma Raceway’s Thanksgiving food drive benefits FISH

Sonoma Raceway is starting its 13th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to help those in need this holiday season.

Local food banks continue to face increased demand and decreasing funds, making this year's food drive, which spans Nov. 1-25, more important than ever. All non-perishable food items collected will be donated to Friends In Sonoma Helping (FISH) and Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank.

“As the holidays begin with all the joy of family gatherings, the bounty of special meals and the gifts shared, it may be easier to forget the simple needs of others; those who struggle to meet their basic need for food on a daily basis,” said Shirley King, program director of Community Action of Napa Valley. “This is one place where you can make a difference in measurable ways."

Sonoma Raceway’s annual food drive has generated more than 46,700 pounds of food since its inception in 2001, including nearly 10,000 pounds in 2012.

Non-perishable food items for the Thanksgiving Food Drive can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. 800-870-RACE (7223), racesonoma.com.

• Sonoma Market, 500 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 996-3411, sonoma-glenellenmkt.com.

• Glen Ellen Village Market, 13751 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-996-6728, sonoma-glenellenmkt.com.

• RKA, 7698 Bell Road, Windsor, 800-349-1-RKA, rka-luggage.com.

• Food items or donations can also be mailed to the raceway: Jennifer Imbimbo, Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

FISH (friendsinsonomahelping.org) has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970 and provides not only food, but clothing, transportation and emergency rental assistance to Sonoma Valley residents in need. FISH has been a beneficiary of the raceway’s food drive since its inception in 2001.

Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank (canv.org) assists people in becoming and/or remaining self-sufficient by lessening the stress of meeting their basic need for food. It provides a variety of nutritious food to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and nonprofit organizations throughout Napa County. Through unique partnerships, it facilitates four programs and maximize food availability and access.

For more information on the food drive, visit racesonoma.com or contact Jennifer Imbimbo at 933-3981 or Jennifer@racesonoma.com.