(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, two Colorado Springs food pantries are asking for the community’s help through food donations. Mercy’s Gate and the Salvation Army Colorado Springs are requesting non-perishable items to be able to meet the needs of families, seniors, and veterans in the community.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Salvation Army said this week was the final push in a fall food drive, with 750 non-perishable items still needed toward a goal of 1,000 items, having collected 250 so far. The organization requested factory-sealed non-perishable goods, such as:
- Canned goods, including soup, vegetables, fruit, beans, tuna, and canned meats
- Dry goods, such as pasta, rice, cereal, and oatmeal
- Baking goods, including bags of flour, sugar, and cooking oils
- Boxed meals, such as macaroni and cheese and hamburger helper
- Protein bars, protein drinks, and Gatorade
- Nut butters and spreads such as jelly
Items can be dropped off at designated collection bins at the Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps at 908 Yuma Street in Colorado Springs.
Mercy’s Gate stated that the organization is facing a growing need as families walk through the doors looking for warmth, compassion, and a network of volunteers who treat them like family. To meet their needs, Mercy’s Gate is asking for help stocking its pantry. Mercy’s Gate’s website lists the following needs for donations:
- Toilet paper, toiletries, personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, lotion, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene, etc.
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned items such as tuna, chicken, fruit, beans, and vegetables
- Pasta such as ramen, non-spaghetti Italian pasta, and spaghetti sauce
- Cereal, oatmeal, pancake syrup
- Cleaning supplies, such as dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, spray cleaners, etc.
- Baby food and diapers
Those who wish to donate can do so at Mercy’s Gate, located at 4360 Montebello Drive, Suite 300. The entrance to the food donation room can be found at the back of the facility, marked “Food Donations.” Items should be unopened…