I have been volunteering at a food pantry for about a month now, and I just wanted to reach out to any of you that make food donations on a regular basis. I know that most people just go through their cabinets and grab what has been in there the longest or things that they will probably never use, which is great, it will get put to use. But after seeing what important needs are not being met, I wanted to try to do something to help.
The money the food pantry receives can be used to buy basic food staples at very reduced prices through government programs, but many areas are not covered. These people are asking for personal hygiene products like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and shaving cream, paper products like kleenex and paper towels, and cleaning products like detergent, bleach, dish soap, and disinfectant. They also need baking things like sugar, flour, cake mixes and frosting (for birthday cakes) and condiments like ketchup, mustard, salt & pepper, syrup and honey. And, of course, who could do without coffee?? Many of these things are necessary to live a healthy life, and these people should not have to go without.
Every time I leave there I want to go out and buy a whole bunch of these items at the dollar store to donate so they have them, but it is just not possible, so that is why I've turned to you. Before working there I would have thought to donate food like rice, peanut butter, pasta, etc., but the pantry can buy it much cheaper than we can and they are not able to buy these other items people request every week but do not get.
So please keep this in mind when you are feeling generous or good-hearted, especially with the holidays just around the corner.
Thank you for listening!
Thanks so much for you wonderful responses, I'm glad it was useful information to all of you. If you are interested in donating to the specific food pantry that I volunteer at, it is the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry and it is in the basement of the First United Church at 848 Lake St. in Oak Park. They distribute food and accept donations every Saturday from 9A-12P, the 1st Wed of each month from 6:30-8:30P, and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wed of each month from 3:30-5P. You can also donate online through paypal by logging onto their website at http://www.oprffoodpantry.org/donate/ or by sending a check to OPRF Food Pantry PO Box 3365 Oak Park, IL 60303-3365. Thank you so much for any donation you make!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It is wonderful advice that I will use over and over. I loved the part about the coffee - I am going to donate that next time!
J.,
On behalf of the millions of families like mine that never in a million years would have thought they would need these programs, but have recently been put into the position of having to utilize them to help their families survive - thank you.
Most often, the feelings of embarrassment, degradation, depression and failure are overwhelming after visiting a food pantry or ministry to ask for help. People like yourself are an amazing breed that truly try to make us feel like we are not alone.
Like you, my dream is to come back from this awful financial situation and want to supply these places with the items most often needed - fresh meat, vegetables, fruit and the essential non-parishables like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, etc.
Thank you for your wonderful, caring heart. We should all take our lead from your example.
Hi J.,
Thanks so much for the great advice. Our school is doing a food drive and I will send this to all the parents. It's terrific to have the inside scoop.
Happy holidays to you!
Hi J.-
Thank you so much for the insight! I've been buying mostly rice, peanut butter etc but I will start to buy some of the other items you suggested and donate cash. I'm also going to try to do some volunteer work at a soup kitchen this year as well. There is so much need right now.
J., Thank you so much for posting this! I have been going about it all wrong and purposely buy rice and things like that. I'll now focus our family's efforts mostly on personal hygiene items.
Hi J.,
Thanks so much for the insight! And thank you for what you do! I think it's wonderful. I am going to keep your post in mind next time I am donating.
J.-
Thank you for that valuable insight! I too always donated things like pasta, etc. but personally could never start my day without a cup of coffee! I will think differently when I go to fill the donation bag this year.
thank you so much for bringing attention to this matter! I too would have never thought to donate those things! I will be sure to help out! Thank you!
Hi mom I think what you are doing is great!! I would like to thank you for help so many needed people and yes I would like to donate, but you did not give a address I know its many places out there but the one you are at is the bless place because of you, once again thank you and God Bless you and your family and Happy Holidays.
Thanks for the insight. I've done sporadic volunteering at food banks (mostly through work) and did think that staples are the way to go with food drive donations. I appreciate you getting the word out!!
This is great information - I had no idea. Thank you! And thank you for your volunteer work.
