There is still time to drop off donations to the North Royalton Fire Department for their food drive challenge. The summer campaign started July 1 and will continue through the end of this month.
The Fire Department is challenging residents to drop off “unexpired” food donations to the lobby of their main station, located at 7000 Royalton Road. All food donated will be distributed among families in our community through the North Royalton Food Pantry located at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The challenge is taking place this month, due to the inventory being low during the summer months at the Food Pantry. It’s not unusual for the donations to be low at this time of year, as people are busy with their children being home for the summer and vacation time. Also, even though the spirit of giving is year-round, the idea of donations and giving in general may be more prevalent during the season from Thanksgiving to Christmas or Easter, when people may not be able to afford a holiday meal. Another reason for the summertime food drive is that the need may actually increase, as some children who may receive free breakfast and lunch during the school year, are home for the summer.
Those donating are asked to check expiration dates on products to be sure that the items have not expired. All items are appreciated, but the following items are on the wish list: crackers, canned pasta/chili/stew, boxed or instant potatoes, spaghetti sauce, pancake mix/syrup, dessert items, Jello, boxed mixes, peanut butter, jelly, Hamburger Helper, stuffing mix, boxed pasta/macaroni/noodles, household cleaners, paper products, soap, toiletries, and brand new reusable shopping bags.
The North Royalton Food Pantry serves about 100 families per month in North Royalton, according to Cheri Noviks, who is a long-time member of Royal Redeemer and who became the new Food Pantry Coordinator in January.
For those who may miss the Fire Department’s food drive, donations of non-perishable foods and toiletries can be dropped off at Royal Redeemer, located at the corner of Abbey and Royalton Roads (11680 Royalton Road). Donations can be dropped off in the bins located at the Central Entrance which is under cover and protected from the weather and monitored daily. Monetary gifts are also appreciated. Those can be mailed to Royal Redeemer, made out to the North Royalton Food Pantry or to Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church with the words Food Pantry in the memo line. Those donations are used to purchase items for distribution including both perishable and non-perishable items including food, toiletries, and household cleaning supplies.
“We enjoy putting garden fresh produce in the hands and on the tables of our clients, and they enjoy receiving it too,” according to pantry officials. “The gardeners at the North Royalton Community Garden sites are already donating surplus produce. As your home gardens are harvested this summer, we will gladly accept your extra produce and distribute it to those in need. Items can be brought inside during normal business hours or left in the bins at the Central Entrance.” For more information regarding the pantry, receiving or donating food, or if you are interested in volunteering your time, contact Cheri at 440-237-7958 ext. 140.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer