On June 21, thousands of people in more than 300 communities across the world will be volunteering through United Way to make their community a better place through Day of Action.

United Way of Southwest Michigan, the St. Joseph-based nonprofit, will be asking businesses across Berrien and Cass counties to help stock local food pantries with items in groups of 75 to help them through the summer months.

“We are embarking on our 75th anniversary serving southwest Michigan. This event is themed with our 75th in mind,” said Anna Murphy, president of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Every year across southwest Michigan, food pantries see themselves fully stocked in the winter months and holiday season, but in the summer it’s much harder to keep their shelves stocked. We’re excited to team up with community businesses to make an impact this summer.”

Sign up for the event can be done through United Way’s website at uwsm.org/christmas-in-june.

Local businesses have an opportunity to select items that are needed at the pantries, such as cereal, canned foods, boxed dinners and toiletries. The businesses are responsible for compiling 75 of each item they select, and delivering them to a designated drop area on June 21 for sorting. After sorting, the businesses will have an opportunity to deliver the items themselves to the pantries. If they are unable, volunteers will be available throughout the day assist.

American Electric Power, D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant is getting their employees involved with the event. They hope ‘Christmas in June’ will provide options to low-income, hard-working families in the two counties.

“AEP and the members of the Cook Nuclear Plant recognize that some members of our community need our help all year round,” said Brendan Kusisto, United Way employee campaign chair at AEP. “This event is a great opportunity to rally our employees to a worthy cause and demonstrate how the Cook team ‘Lives United’ 24/7, 365 days a year. And who doesn’t want to celebrate the holiday season twice a year?”

The drops zones will be at:

Upton Middle School (St. Joseph), Buchanan Middle School (Buchanan) and Brookside Learning Center (Cassopolis).

United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. They do this by “Living United”; by forging unlikely partnerships; by finding new solutions to old problems; and by mobilizing the best resources. To join the fight, visit uwsm.org.