Salvation Army Canned Food Drive needs support
The Lee County Schools Annual Canned Food Drive that provides for The Salvation Army’s food pantry is behind in donations from years past. With increased requests at the pantry up 50 percent and donations lagging at 30 percent, The Salvation Army is looking to the community for increased support. “Traditionally, we used to see 10 -20 families a day, but now we are seeing nearly double those numbers.” stated Major Art Penhale, Corps Officer. “We simply cannot keep up with this unprecedented demand.”
The Lee County schools have been a supporter and partner in the fight against hunger for many years. The donations collected from the schools have feed tens of thousands of families. However, due to the dramatic rise in families needing assistance, The Salvation Army is asking for the community to help make-up the shortage. The Food Drive for the schools ends on Friday. For the remaining days in October, The Army is asking the community to continue supporting the food pantry. They are asking that those who can give, will give and help our neighbors in need.
Monetary gifts may be mailed or dropped off at The Salvation Army, 10291 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33919. These types of gifts allow the agency to stretch donations further by purchasing food at a reduced rate through the Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Food items such as canned meat, tuna fish, canned vegetables, peanut butter, rice, beans and pastas are also requested and can be dropped off at:
-2400 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers
-10291 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Or at any of our Family Store locations:
– Fowler Family Store, 3065 Fowler St.
– Cape Coral Family Store, 4506 Del Prado Blvd.
– South Fort Myers Family Store, 15418 S. Tamiami Trail