The DeKalb Area Association of Realtors is giving back to the community for the seventh year in a row.

The Gift from the Heart Challenge encourages residents to help restock food pantries in DeKalb, Genoa, Rochelle and Sycamore.

“We gather in food at a time when the pantries are in need of it after the holidays,” said Heather Wiedrich, executive vice president of DAAR.

According to a January news release put out by DAAR, “the challenge is to fill the local pantries with as many items as possible by Feb. 23.

Wiedrich said the group is looking for non-perishable items including, but not limited to, baking items, cereals, pasta and rice.

Residents can drop off items at DAAR’s main location, 1430 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore.

Committee members also will collect items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this weekend at Brown’s County Market in Sycamore, 403 E. State St., and in Genoa, 600 Pearson Drive, as well as Sullivan’s in DeKalb, 1401 S. Fourth St., and Rochelle, 320 Eagle Drive.

“It’s a way for our realtor affiliate members to give back to the community,” Wiedrich said.