By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Members of Salina's St. John's Lutheran Church saw needs in the community and they're doing their part to help alleviate those needs.
From 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 15, members of the church at 302 South Seventh Street are scheduled to conduct a contactless drive-thru drop-off for non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items for the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.
The collection will be on the west side of the church. Persons donating can enter the parking lot off of West Mulberry Street or South Eighth Street.
"With our community help, we all can make a larger impact for those in need. It's always so wonderful to see people open up their hearts and give," Food Drive Co-Chair Stan Patterson told Salina Post.
While all non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items will be collected, Patterson said food bank personnel mentioned to him some specific needs.
"When I called, they asked for Tuna Helper, Hamburger Helper, and instant mashed potatoes. Also, personal hygiene items and toilet paper, too,"
Additionally, if you wish to donate, but are unable to leave home, you can call the church office at 785-825-5081 and make arrangements for contactless pickup of your donation. This free pick-up service will be provided throughout the month of August, Patterson said.
While the church members collect for the food bank year around amongst themselves, some saw a more pressing need in the wake of COVID-19, Patterson noted.
"We actually have a grocery cart at our church for donations to be put in for the food bank year around. However, as the pandemic continued on with only hope in sight for a vaccine, our new Growth Committee at our church has been looking for ways to impact people immediately and change the way we normally look at and do things," he explained.