Turkeys, hams, nonperishables still needed at food closet

Staff Reports

The holiday season at the Carson Valley Community Food Closet has been a busy one. Recent months have shown a 35 percent increase in the number of families and individuals needing assistance of supplemental food, but also a 25 percent drop in cash and food donations.

"What this means is that our needs exceeded the amount of donations," said food closet director Eileen Boettiger. "To solve this problem, we need to call on the local community to help us get through the upcoming winter months. Our biggest need right now is frozen turkeys and canned hams. These will be put in the holiday dinner boxes distributed for Christmas."

You can help by donating canned goods and nonperishable items directly to the food closet. Consider making donations from your extra pantry items or from buying extra canned goods at the store. Businesses may request a bin to sponsor food drives. Cash donations are also accepted and are tax deductible.

What is needed now are frozen turkeys and canned hams. All recipients of the food closet are qualified based on income. Volunteers, local grocers and merchants work to assist those in need.

Donations can be dropped off 1-4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday at the Carson Valley Community Food Closet, 1255 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville. Information, 782-3711.