Ridge NAPA Auto Parts’ annual food drive began Wednesday and will be promoted Friday night during the Christmas parade.

Ridge, 104 W. Division St., will be visibly reminding passersby with the trailer parked in front that the collection will be going on until Dec. 19.

Ridge’s Dan Mather said the company will also have three vehicles in the parade, including a pickup with a sign in back to “jump start” the drive.

“It really amazes me how the entire community jumps in to help out for this good cause,” Mather said. “I want to give special thanks to Zeta Chi sorority and students at Dowagiac Middle School who really help bring in the food and help sort and deliver it.

“We thank everyone for helping and also remind everyone that if they cannot bring food in, we would be more than happy to pick it up. Just call (269) 782-2191,” Mather said.

Mather said enough items were gathered last year to deliver quantities to 14 families and the remainder to a food bank.