Durham Parks & Recreation Launches Random Acts of Kindness Week Food Drive

Community Invited to Support Life International Food Pantry February 16–21

Durham, N.C. — Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) is turning kindness into action. In recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Week, DPR is inviting residents across the Bull City to participate in a community-wide food and supply drive benefiting Life International Food Pantry.

From Monday, February 16 through Saturday, February 21, all DPR recreation centers and the DPR Administration Building will serve as donation sites. Community members are encouraged to drop off food, hygiene items, and household essentials during regular operating hours.

Why It Matters

Random Acts of Kindness Week highlights the power of small gestures to create meaningful change. Whether it’s holding the door open for someone or contributing to a food drive, simple acts can have a lasting impact.

This initiative supports families served by Life International Food Pantry, which hosts food distribution on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Holton Career & Resource Center.

Where to Drop Off Donations

Donations will be accepted at the following locations:

• Community Family Life & Recreation Center – 1309 Halley Street

• Holton Career & Resource Center – 401 N. Driver Street

• W.D. Hill Recreation Center – 1308 Fayetteville Street

• Walltown Park Recreation Center – 1308 W. Club Boulevard

• Edison Johnson Recreation Center – 500 W. Murray Avenue

• Weaver Street Recreation Center – 3000 E. Weaver Street

• I.R. Holmes, Sr. Rec Center at Campus Hills – 2000 S. Alston Avenue

• DPR Administration Building – 400 Cleveland Street

All collected donations will be delivered to the Holton Career & Resource Center.

Most-Needed Items

🥫 Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods

• Fruits (peaches, pears, oranges, pineapples, fruit cups)

• Vegetables (tomatoes, corn, carrots, green beans)

• Beans (pinto, black, kidney, chickpeas)

• Soups (tomato, beef stew, chicken noodle)

• Evaporated and coconut milk

🍚 Dry Goods

• Pasta and mac & cheese

• Rice (white, brown, instant)

• Cereal and oatmeal

• Lentils

• Nut butters

• Baking staples (flour, pancake mix, corn muffin mix)

• Dried fruit and dried beans

• Crackers and cookies

🧼 Non-Food Essentials

• Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues

• Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes

• Hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant

• Cleaning supplies (detergent, wipes, bleach, trash bags)

Building a Kinder Bull City

Durham Parks and Recreation continues to prioritize inclusive programs and community wellness initiatives aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan. This food drive reinforces DPR’s commitment to helping residents build a safer, healthier, and more connected Durham.

For more information about DPR programs and services, visit their website or call (919) 560-4355.