PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Top lawmakers in Rhode Island are asking the public to contribute to a Statehouse food drive to help those in need this holiday season.

House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed on Tuesday asked residents to donate non-perishable food items and canned goods. The items can be dropped off at boxes posted near the elevators in the Statehouse.

The food drive benefits the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which has seen a sharp drop in donations since the economic downturn hit.