Lafayette’s second annual PARCsGiving drive is making a final push to collect food for local families before the Friday, November 6 donation deadline.

The Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department hopes to assemble at least 100 Thanksgiving meal baskets for households across Lafayette Parish.

Residents, businesses and community groups can contribute rice, canned green beans, canned corn, cornbread mix and shelf-stable dessert items such as cake mix, brownie mix or pie filling and crust.

Organizers are also inviting people to include a handwritten note of encouragement, offering a free and meaningful way for children, seniors and others to participate.

Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday at Girard Park Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Lafayette City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or any PARC recreation center from 2 to 9 p.m.

The official PARCsGiving announcement also invites volunteers to help assemble the baskets.

Anyone interested in volunteering can use the online volunteer signup or call 337-291-8364.

Meal baskets will be distributed Friday, November 20, beginning at 4 p.m. at Domingue Recreation Center, 901 Mudd Avenue, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

For Lafayette residents looking for a simple way to help before Thanksgiving, this week’s deadline creates an immediate opportunity.