Needs go beyond the obvious at area food pantries

While a tube of deodorant or a bottle of shampoo might not be an appropriate present for an office Christmas party, for local food pantries, such items are the perfect gift at any time of year.

"Definitely soap, shampoo, toothpaste -- those are things that just straight across the board, we always need," said Jennifer Wood, chief development officer for the Sikeston, Missouri-based SEMO Food Bank, which serves 180 member agencies in 16 counties across Southeast Missouri.

The Safe House for Women maintains a food pantry for clients at its outreach office in Cape Girardeau.

Jessica Hill, director of development for Safe House, said many of the women who use the pantry are trying to set up housekeeping from scratch after leaving their abusers.

"We always say that anything you need to run your home, we need to run ours," she said.

Brad Elfrink, a volunteer at the Safe House for Women Thrift Store, checks a toy before adding new batteries Friday in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

That includes food, of course, but also less obvious items such as cleaning supplies, bedding, over-the-counter medicines, baby wipes, diapers and all sorts of health and beauty aids, from feminine hygiene products to shampoo, Hill said.

"Products for African-American hair [are] always in need," she said.

Items are distributed through the food pantry and to residents at Safe House's shelter, Hill said.

Capt. Ronnie Amick of the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau said his organization provides showers for clients to use, so bath products are always welcome donations, as are deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

"For most food pantries, they'll make use of whatever they have," Amick said.

Food

Wood and Amick said sometimes the most helpful food donations are not the most obvious.

For instance, Amick said the Salvation Army receives plenty of canned vegetables, but it could use more cereals; boxed side dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pasta mixes; and canned meats.

"That can stretch a food box," he said.

The food bank needs nonperishable foods, including beans, pasta and peanut butter, Wood said.

It also accepts perishables such as dairy products or frozen foods, she said.

Donating for free

Contributions don't have to cost the donor anything.

For instance, while most products need to be in their original packaging, some items -- such as feminine hygiene products -- are sealed in individual wrappers before being packaged together for sale.

That means if a donor tries a new brand and decides she doesn't like it, she can give the unused product to Safe House instead of throwing it away, Hill said.

She also suggested travelers donate the sample-sized shampoos, lotions and soaps found in many hotel rooms.

The Safe House Thrift Store -- which helps families set up house when they leave the shelter -- can take used clothing, small appliances, curtains, small furnishings and household items in good condition, Hill said.

Giving money

Those who are planning to buy products to donate to SEMO Food Bank can save themselves some time and benefit more people by contributing money directly to the organization, which can stretch its dollars in ways the average shopper can't -- for instance, through volume discounts, Wood said.

"We can do better with [money] than the average person could, just because we have our connections," she said.

Businesses can receive tax credits for donations, Wood said.

Some tax credits also are available for businesses and individuals who make cash contributions larger than $100 to Safe House, Hill said.

Timing

Holiday drives usually keep food pantries stocked from the end of October through the beginning of the year, Amick said.

The need for donations, however, continues long after the Christmas lights have dimmed, he said, and many food pantries see their supplies run low as spring gives way to summer.

"I just think it's not the average giving season for people," Amick said.

Compounding the problem is the fact that school is not in session, so families relying on free or reduced-price lunches to feed children must find a way to pick up the slack, Wood said.

"During the summer is actually a really high time of need, because school is out, and those kids that were getting those lunches provided, they don't have that during the summer," she said.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

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How to help

How to help

Salvation Army

Current needs: Canned meats; boxed sides

To donate: Bring items to 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau.

SEMO Food Bank

Current needs: Perishable and nonperishable items; personal hygiene products

To donate: Take food donations to a local pantry, or call 855-703-FOOD or 573-471-1818 to schedule a time to drop items off at the SEMO Food Bank. Monetary donations may be mailed to: SEMO Food Bank, 600 Route H, Sikeston, MO 63801

Safe House for Women

Current needs: Check the *"How can you help?*" tab at semosafehouse.org for the most recent wish list.

To donate: Drop off items from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Safe House outreach office, 230 N. Spring St., or from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Safe House Thrift Store at the same address. When taking items to the thrift store, be sure to specify which are for the store and which are for the shelter.