The Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga is in desperate need of food items to restock its pantry, according Jane Kaylor, executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga.

"We always run low in the summer, but our pantry is as low as I've seen it in a long time," said Kaylor.

"At this point, we've had a lot of families with a lot of siblings residing here. Our occupancy during the summer has been 100 percent in all 26 guest rooms."

Another contributing factor to the shortage is that the house was closed for several months during a renovation.

"We typically get a lot of food between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we were not open," said the director.

Items may be dropped off at the Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Ave. adjacent to Erlanger, any day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

ITEMS NEEDED

Single Serving Items:

• Chips

• Fruit cups

• Granola bars

• Hot chocolate packets

• Pasta dishes

• Beanie Weenies

• Peanut butter or cheese crackers

• Pop Tarts

• Snack cakes

• Cereal

• Pudding

Other Items:

• Cake Icing

• Canned vegetables

• Soups (all flavors)

• Canned chili

• Large boxes of cereal

• Spaghetti sauce

• Canned fruit

• Canned tuna

Source: Ronald McDonald House