BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Student Veterans Organization at Cal State Bakersfield is asking the community to open their hearts and pantries to help veterans in need this holiday season.

The SVO just kicked off their first ever food drive. From now until Nov. 30 they will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to make baskets and then distribute them to local veterans who need a little extra help.

Anita Orr, who is the president of the SVO, knows firsthand the challenged of adjusting to life outside the military. She served four years in the U.S. Army, three of those years in South Korea.

"I thought it was important and some of the members of the organization that we gave back to our veterans who served and that we understand now because of the economy and just because you know getting out, transitioning trying to find a job is sometimes hard to come by and just your natural resources, things you need to survive, and food is one of them," said Orr.

Suggested canned donations include fruit, vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, stew, soup, chili, tuna, pasta, corned beef, beans, and evaporated milk.

Suggested dried food items include rice, beans, stuffing, pasta, powdered milk and cheese, flour, and sugar.

Donation boxes can be found at the following locations and times:

CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Highway, in Dorothy Donahoe Hall and the Student Union; Monday- Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Bakersfield VA Community Clinic, 1801 Westwind Drive; Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.