Claremont Presbyterian Church will host a community food drive and concert on Saturday, November 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. All donations will benefit Inland Valley Hope Partners, one of CPC’s long-time mission partners.

Community members are invited to drive through and drop off donations of canned soups, stews, vegetables, fruits and any other nonperishable food items such as ramen, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, crackers, pastas, rice and beans.

Jazz lovers should plan to stay and enjoy a free concert on the lawn by the award-winning Ron Kobayashi Trio. All are welcome to bring blankets, picnics and lawn chairs. Folding chairs will also be available and cake will be served at 4 p.m.

IVHP’s food security manager Isaac Vega said that while the initial surge in need following the start of the pandemic has started to level off, IVHP is now experiencing another increase in need as stimulus and unemployment benefits have waned. Many clients are months behind on rent and could soon face homelessness as the eviction moratorium ends. Food donations are one way to support both the unhoused and those struggling to pay rent and utilities.

Tax-deductible monetary donations to IVHP will also be accepted at the drive, or by mail or online.

This is the third community food drive CPC has sponsored for IVHP since the beginning of the pandemic, but the first to offer a concert and cake.

“We were so heartened and overwhelmed by the generosity of the community at our last two events,” said CPC Pastor Karen Sapio of the upcoming drive and concert. “We thought a concert would be a great way to celebrate the generosity and joy of Claremont.”