In brief: EWU begins collecting food donations for kids

CHENEY – Eastern Washington University will begin its third annual Community Food Drive Monday. The drive will run through Aug. 23.

Teams from various university departments will compete for prizes based on how many pounds of food they collect, but members of the community and businesses are invited to make donations.

This year’s food drive is also a part of the national program Backpacks for Children. For $165, during the year a child in need will be provided with food on the weekends when schools do not provide them with a meal. In Cheney, participation in this program has increased by more than 20 percent since last year. Each team will be allotted a predetermined number of students to sponsor. Each child sponsored will be equivalent to collecting 500 pounds of food.

For more information, call Kathleen Warren at (509) 359-6664 or e-mail kwarren@ewu.edu.

Open house planned at Odyssey Youth Center

EAST CENTRAL – Odyssey Youth Center, 1121 S. Perry St., will hold an open house on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The public will have a chance to meet some of the center’s board members, adult volunteers and youths. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, call (509) 325-3637.

MANITO – A Park Bench Café guest appreciation night will be held on Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. The cafe is located in Manito Park.

The event will include smoothies, brownies, coffee and iced tea, available at the Park Bench, along with live music, from 6 to 8 p.m. A beer and wine garden will also be open during the evening festivities.