Waukee Food Pantry Solicits Holiday Donations

With Christmas just a few weeks away, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying gifts, throwing parties and gathering with friends and family.

But Melissa Stimple, director of the , wants to remind everyone that there are others who are not so fortunate.

The Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry is now collecting food and personal care items for holiday boxes that will be distributed to area residents who may be experiencing hardship this Christmas season.

Last year at this time, the Food Pantry gave out 196 holiday boxes. This year, with a still sluggish economy, the demand is still great.

You can give to the Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry in the following ways:

1. Donate a complete box - Fill up an empty box (with a lid) - include enough for a family of four to six - personalize and be as generous as you like.
2. Donate an item or two - Choose items from the list below or donate some of your favorite holiday meal items. Any non-perishable food item or personal care item is accepted. 
3. Make a cash donation - Make check payable to WACFP and mail to: Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry, 1155 S.E. Boone Dr., Waukee, IA 50263.

Here is a list of requested items:

• Boxed potatoes and gravy
• Canned green beans or corn
• Cream of mushroom soup
• French fried onions
• Crackers
• Baked beans
• Egg noodles
• Corn muffin mix
• Canned fruit
• Pumpkin pie fillling
• Evaporated milk
• Toilet paper
• Laundry soap
• Shampoo/body soap (full size)
• Toothpaste
• Kleenex

The Food Pantry asks that you drop off all food pantry gifts by Dec. 12. The Food Pantry is open Mondays, 4-6 p.m. and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m.

For questions, please check out the Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry website.