Mercer Island Martial Arts is holding a food drive to support Island families in need from now until Dec. 5.

With a theme of “gratitude” at the dojang this month, the business is partnering with Hopelink and Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (YFS) to provide non-perishable foods, gift cards to grocery stores, and other most-needed items. The local martial arts students have used their own allowance money to buy food for children in need.

People can make donations from 1-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the dojang (2630 77th Ave. SE, Suite 106).

Most-needed items, according to Hopelink, are: canned meals, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), healthy cereal/oats, fruits and vegetables, grains (pasta, rice, quinoa, barley, etc.), soup and broths, non-dairy milk — shelf stable (oat, almond and soy), cooking oils, spices, salt, brown and white sugar (bulk is accepted) and flour (no bulk).

Most-needed non-food items are: baby items (squeeze food pouches, wipes and diapers sizes 4-7), hygiene items (feminine products, toothpaste and toothbrushes), paper items (toilet paper and paper towels) and household items (Clorox wipes and reusable grocery bags).

Hopelink notes for donators to ensure that all items are non-perishable, not expired and in their original, unopened packaging.

YFS is only accepting cash donations or grocery store gift cards and prefer cards to on-Island grocery stores in increments of $25. For questions or more information, contact YFS at 206-275-7657.

For more information on Hopelink’s acceptance of cash donations and food donations, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bddc6axm