Cranford United Methodist Church is collaborating with Girl Scout Troop 40903 to collect food donations, including pet food, at their monthly drive-thru event.
The next collection will take place on from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 8 in the church’s parking lot, located next to the Cranford Library.
The church invites community members to share their kindness and help provide nutritious food for local families in need.
Donations will be distributed to Cranford Family Care and St. Joseph’s Social Services Center in Elizabeth.
Suggested items for donation include fresh produce such as apples, pears, potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, and carrots. Pantry staples like applesauce, broth, peanut butter, salt, pepper, oil, spices, salad dressing, mayo, ketchup, pasta, pasta sauce, and rice are also welcome. Additionally, the drive accepts kids’ snacks, juice boxes, canned vegetables, tuna, chicken, diapers (sizes 5, 6, and 7), baby wipes, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper.
As a new addition to the monthly collection, the church and Girl Scout troop are now accepting canned dog and cat food donations.
To participate, simply load your grocery bags into your trunk, drive into the church parking lot, and pop your trunk. Friendly volunteers will handle the rest.
Please ensure all donated items are not expired.
If you can’t make it on Feb. 8, you can drop off donations anytime in the bins near the Little Free Pantry in the church parking lot, which are available 24/7 for your convenience.
The food drives occur on the second Saturday of every month, and the church encourages families to get involved and bring their children to participate in this community effort.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.