Christian Cupboard Holiday Food Drive still underway
(Seguin) — It might be the day after Christmas, but it doesn’t mean that the season of giving has stopped.
In fact, volunteers at the Christian Cupboard, Seguin’s food pantry, are hoping to continue the spirit of giving at least through the end of its holiday food drive on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Regina Lee, the director for the Christian Cupboard, says she wants to continue what she describes as a great year of giving and receiving for the local food pantry. She says when it comes to food, the cupboard will take it all.
“Our drive is through Dec. 31 and of course, we are all year round but this is our biggest push for food and remember it’s a big push for food and we get several pounds of food and it only last through February and I don’t know if it’s going to last that long this year,” said Lee.
Lee says the giving season has been incredible for the cupboard. However an influx of new families in Seguin has caused the food pantry to serve up to 800 clients each month. She says this demand for food has led them to lean on the community a little bit more.
Lee says the growing homeless community also warrants even more donations than ever.
“Remember, we also have homeless people in our area. They have to be taken care of also. They are taken care of on a different scale and a different way because I’m talking about homeless people who have no place to cook it or to store food. So, remember those little cans of Vienna sausages and the Spam you have, the little fruit cups, crackers and even water. Water, juice cans, sodas – all that stuff is vital and will be used,” said Lee.
Lee says food, however, is not the only thing needed to help keep their shelves stocked. Lee says the needs of the community are growing
“Within the food drive also which is the main thing is food but if you really want to think outside the box, give me packs of toilet paper, bars of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent – basic things you use at home are the things that we actually give out and occasionally people will ask. Somebody is between paychecks or they someone come into their home unexpectedly. So, they will ask for toiletries and we will give out toiletries when we have them. We try to keep them on the shelves,” said Lee.
Lee encourages folks to give, however, they can. She says every can adds up just like every dollar.
If the cans are too heavy, give us the money. Two dollars goes a long way for us believe it or not. We shop local. We shop Walmart. We shop HEB. We can go to Arlan’s for different things,” said Lee.
Lee says food also doesn’t have to come straight from the supermarket. She says whether it’s extra deer meat or a fruitful garden, the Christian Cupboard will take the food.
“We try to give eggs accordingly and I have a couple of people who have chickens, and they will bring eggs. If you can eat it and it’s decent, I’m giving it out,” said Lee.
Other items needed at the food pantry include recycled bags, egg cartons, detergent, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and milk. Lee says even items such as sugar and flour can be donated. She says these items will be divided up by volunteers and provided to families.
Donations to the Christian Cupboard can be made Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Doors are also open every first and third Saturdays of the month. A drop off box for non-glass and nonperishable food items is available 24/7. The drop off box is located on the north end of the building. The food pantry is located at 516 N. Camp St. Monetary donations can also be made by visiting www.christiancupboardofseguin.org.
Food donations can also be dropped off in the lobby of Seguin Radio KWED through Friday, Dec. 29.