The R.A.I.S.E. Mesquite non-profit organization is holding a food drive event to benefit the Salvation Army of Mesquite food pantry. The drive will take place throughout this week from Sept 19-24.
R.A.I.S.E. has recruited nearly two dozen neighborhood captains to make it convenient for Mesquite residents to drop off food donations this week. For a full list of these drop sites, got to the R.A.I.S.E. Facebook page.
Many of these neighborhood captains will leave a collection box on their doorstep or out in front of their house. Donors can simply drop items off in that box. Please limit drop off donations to daylight hours only.
Alternatively, donations can be taken directly to the Salvation Army of Mesquite office this week. All cash donations must be taken to the Salvation Army office.
As a grand finale to the week-long drive, volunteers will be out at collection spots in the community make a big push on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Salvation Army office will be open that day and accepting donations. Collection sites will also be located at Walmart, Smiths and other spots in town from 8 am until 3 pm.
Finally, R.A.I.S.E. will have a donation site for kids at the Mesquite Night Out event on Wednesday evening, Sept. 21 at the Rec Center west field. Kids who bring a donation will receive a special gift at the event.
Donors are encouraged to give canned or boxed nonperishable food goods, various toiletry items and feminine products as these are in high demand at the Salvation Army center.
“Our food pantry is in dire straits right now,” said Salvation Army Director Bill Ennis at a Chamber of Commerce meeting last week. “There is a great need. Last month we saw 871 clients come through our doors for help. That was up almost 500 clients from the previous two months. So we are needing food, mostly canned goods.”
For more information on this week’s drive, contact R.A.I.S.E. founder Carly Toutant at raisemesquitenv@gmail.com.
