Friday, 02 September 2011 20:24 Last Updated on Friday, 02 September 2011 20:46 Written by vsattler

Donations Desperately Needed to Feed Families

Food Pantry Shelves Empty

(Fort Myers, FL) The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties is asking for the communities help to stock empty shelves at its food pantry in Fort Myers. An average of 70-85 families are seeking assistance each day, most with small children. However there is very little food left and turning families away is not an option. The Salvation Army is making a desperate plea for donations immediately as well as for the next six weeks so those in need won’t go hungry.

Help is expected in mid October when Lee County area schools complete their annual Canned Food Drive which runs October 3-14. However until then The Salvation Army must rely on your donations.

HOW TO HELP:

Donations can be dropped off 7 days a week 24 hours a day at The Salvation Army Social Services Campus at 2400 Edison Avenue in Fort Myers.

Other drop off locations include:

The Salvation Army Central Family Store
1855 Boy Scout Drive

The Salvation Army South Fort Myers Family Store
15418 S. Tamiami Trail

The Salvation Army Cape Coral Family Store
4506 Del Prado Blvd.

The Salvation Army Administrative Office
10291 McGregor Blvd.

People can donate canned goods such as soups, meats, vegetables and tomato sauces or dry goods such as rice, instant potatoes, pasta, peanut butter and breakfast items. Monetary donations are also accepted. Last year, a total of 70 schools participated in the annual canned food drive. So far, 52 area schools have been confirmed. There is still time to sign up. Contact Valerie at 239-278-1551 ext. 210.

Past pantry conditionsCurrent pantry conditions

About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 90 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyleecounty.org. The Salvation Army is proud to be a United Way partner agency.