Swimmers from an area swim club are pooling their efforts to collect non-perishable food items for local residents in need. Southwest Allen Community Swim Team, more commonly known as SWAC, will collect food items and monetary donations for Community Harvest Food Bank at the team’s IMX Challenge meet on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Summit Middle School Natatorium. More than 125 swimmers and 250 spectators are expected to attend the event.

Meet director Deb Luarde said the swim team wanted to find a way to give back to the community. “With the holidays approaching, this is a tangible way for us to help those in our own community who may struggle to feed their families,” Luarde said. “We know there’s a great need, and by including swimmers from our club and visiting teams, we knew we’d have an opportunity to make an even greater impact.”

Young children attending Saturday’s meet will also be invited to decorate grocery bags used to deliver food to homebound seniors who participate in the food bank’s SeniorPak program. “Little ones love to help, and we’re sure the artwork they create will brighten someone’s day,” Luarde said.

ABOUT SWAC: Founded in 1994, SWAC is a competitive swim program that strives to provide long-term personal development and competitive swimming excellence. The not-for-profit club is governed by a board of directors. Swimmers as young as three years old can enroll in SWAC Swim School, while swimmers ages 5 through 18 participate in the club’s age group and high school-level programs. For more information, go to www.swacswim.org.