Sea Mar Community Health Center is holding a food and pantry drive to benefit SPIN Cafe.

During the drive, donations of fresh, unopened, non-perishable food items and pantry goods such as hygiene products, paper goods and cleaning supplies, may be dropped off at any of the following five locations through Sept. 8: Banner Bank, 3 Sisters Market, Thrive Community Fitness, Desert Sun Tanning Salon or Sea Mar Community Health Center.

Donations will also be accepted at Sea Mar Oak Harbor Dental Clinic, though there is not a donation box set up at that facility.

Cara Holmes, case manager at the center, said the SPIN Cafe would prefer food items that are nutritious and health-conscious. Gluten-free and non-GMO foods are greatly appreciated.

“They try to work with people’s diets,” Holmes said. The cafe aims to include healthful, wholesome ingredients in the bi-weekly meals.

Other than food, the cafe is greatly in need of paper goods, such as paper plates, cups and bowls.

Many Sea Mar clients take advantage of the array of services offered by the SPIN Cafe, according to Holmes.

The nonprofit cafe, located on Bayshore Dr., offers patrons a safe, warm space to rest, catch up with friends and enjoy a free meal or snack. The cafe currently serves warm meals twice a week, though volunteers are hoping to expand to five days a week and add laundry service to their list of offerings.

In addition, the cafe offers educational opportunities such as workshops, book studies and vocational training and support.

“We have a lot of need here,” said Holmes, noting the importance of the cafe in the community.

Last year, Sea Mar held a blanket and clothing drive to benefit Sea Mar clients, some of whom lack permanent housing.

Sea Mar Behavioral Health Center provides assistance with behavioral and mental health, substance abuse and chemical dependency.

In addition to the food and pantry item drive, Sea Mar Behavioral Health is partnering with Applebee’s for a fundraising effort which will also benefit the SPIN Cafe.

On Aug. 7, Applebee’s patrons may present a flier in order to have 15 percent of their meal cost donated to SPIN Cafe. Fliers may be picked up at the behavioral health center; patrons may take and distribute as many fliers as they like. The offer is valid all day, only at the 31810 State Route 20 location.

For more information on the SPIN Cafe, visit www.facebook.com/spincafeoh