Salvation Army, Blue Goose Market to host food drive June 5

Donate food and receive a coupon for a free doughnut. Does it get any better than that?

On Saturday, June 5, The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Community Center will be holding a food drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Blue Goose Market, 300 S. Second St. in St. Charles.

All donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut at Blue Goose, valid June 6 to Aug. 31, to encourage giving and celebrate National Donut Day, a time-honored tradition in The Salvation Army since 1938.

"Food insecurity has grown even more for those in need because of COVID. Our food pantry fed well over 6,000 people last year, so it is critical for us to resupply to help our neighbors," said Lt. Dena Smith, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps. "We truly appreciate the help provided by Blue Goose Market and the local community."

The Tri-City Corps food pantry is in need of the following:

• Diapers and pullups (especially sizes 5 and 6), baby wipes;

• Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, soap;

• Pads and tampons, adult diapers;

• Laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, tissues, brown paper bags;

• Canned ravioli, SpaghettiOs; cans of fruit, beans, vegetables, tuna, chicken;

• Condiments (mustard, mayo, ketchup, etc.), peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, cereal;

• Baking staples (flour, sugar, etc.), coffee, tea;

• Pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, instant mashed potatoes.

Paul Lencioni, president of Blue Goose Market, added, "People are the heart of everything we do at Blue Goose Market, so partnering with our local Salvation Army to help people right here in our community is really our pleasure. And it doesn't hurt that our doughnuts are the best around, baked fresh every single day! We're excited to share those with people who are giving so generously to their neighbors. Taking care of each other is really what it's all about - because we're all in it together!"

Once donors drive into the Blue Goose parking lot, volunteers will assist with unloading the donations and hand out doughnut coupons good for the rest of the summer. The Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers to help with this event. Interested volunteers can call Lt. Dena Smith at (630) 377-2769.