Pott. Co. Pantries Need You!

As Giving November kicks off, it’s important to think of our area food pantries and make sure they are well-stocked!  As the holidays approach, typically they get donations, but they also get more customers, too!  So let’s make this an easy holiday season for Pottawattamie Area Pantries!

On a serious note, we’ve all had our own financially unstable moments.  I’ve watched families that had the unexpected happen whether it was divorce with a new baby, job layoff and 4 kids, being single with a boss that didn’t pay on time, or cancer for the bread-winner, it doesn’t matter.  Whether you’ve been there, or not, we all know someone who has, and if you’re not in that boat, what better way to show your thankfulness than by donating?

So here is a comprised list of where and when you can donate and if you should, for some unfortunate reason, need help instead, the times and places are listed for when you can receive donations, as well. 

As Red Green always says, “we’re all in this together!”

*Avoca –

To Donate:  The Avoca Food Pantry is located at the United Church of Avoca, 1511 N. Willow St.  You can call 712-343-6945 with questions, just leave a message, but they take donations on Sunday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the church.  They are in need of personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and shampoo or food items like Hamburger Helper. 

For assistance:  The pantry is open Mondays 4-6pm, just go behind the church to the basement door for privacy.

*Crescent –

To Donate:  The Crescent Food Pantry is located at 720 Old Lincoln Hwy.  It’s open Saturdays 1-3pm and Tuesday 5-7pm but you can call 712-545-9031 for other options.  The Crescent Pantry also has a Facebook page which you can message for assistance. 

For assistance:  The pantry is open Saturdays 1-3pm and Tuesdays 5-7pm or message them on Facebook for help in an emergency situation or call 712-545-9031.

*Macedonia –

To Donate:  The Macedonia Food Pantry & Clothing Closet is located in the Macedonia United Methodist Church.  Donations are welcome, and can be left, at the church Monday through Friday during day-light hours.  They are happy to take food items and clothing items that are gently used.

For assistance:  The pantry is open from 1-3pm every Saturday or 24/7 by phone.  Call minister's cell: 402-669-5646.

*Minden (Area Food Pantry – including Underwood, McClelland, Minden, and Neola, etc.)

To Donate:  The Area Food Pantry is located at the Minden United Church of Christ.  Call 712-483-2903 for more information or you can donate during church hours or at the St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in Neola.  Items most needed include soup crackers, cereal, sugar, flour, canned fruits, mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, cake mixes, toilet paper, Kleenex, and paper towels.

For assistance:  The pantry is open from 10am-12pm every Saturday or you may call 712-483-2903 for help.

*Riverside Area (including Carson, Macedonia, Oakland, Hancock, etc.)-

To Donate:  The Riverside Area Food Pantry is located in the Oakland Christian Church.  Call (712) 482-6240 and leave a message or you may donate Sunday mornings at the church or Monday-Friday during office hours at the Oakland United Methodist Church in the narthex.  The Riverside School District is also taking donations after Thanksgiving for their food drive.  Paper products, cereal, pasta and sauce are all needed regularly.

For assistance:  The pantry is open Saturdays from 10:00 till 11:00am and is sponsored by the Riverside Church Association. For immediate help, contact an area pastor.

*Treynor –

To Donate:  The pantry is located at the Zion Congregational Church in Treynor.  Donations are welcomed from 6:30am to 6pm Monday-Friday at the church.

For assistance:  The pantry is open on the 4th Thursday of the month from 4pm to 7pm.  If needed otherwise, call the church at (712) 487-3289.

*Walnut –

To Donate:  The TLC Community Food & Clothing Pantry is located at the Walnut Community Center (the old school).  Call 712-249-2592 to arrange donations or M-F 8 to 5pm at the south door or drop off at Trinity Lutheran in Avoca.  Items needed:  personal hygiene items, spaghetti sauce and pasta, soups, pancake mixes, syrup, cereal, winter clothing. 

For assistance:  The pantry is open every Thursday from 4 to 6pm or call 712-249-2592 or they have a Facebook page to message them.
 
It goes without saying that if it’s easier for you to write a check or hand over some cash, all of the pantries will gladly take that, too! 

I simply hope that by making it easier for you to find these places, you take a minute to mail a check, hit your local grocery store and church, or drop by with a load of paper products.  I truly believe there is no greater joy than in giving. 

Give yourself the gift of giving today.,,

#SupportLocal #PottawattamieLoyal

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