VFW food drive this Saturday

The food collection drive at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #425 on Shady Oak Road in Hopkins reopens Saturday December 19th from 10am to 2pm.

VFW Post Service Officer Tommy Johnson says that the VFW drive for local food shelves at People Reaching Out to People (PROP) and the Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) was suspended when Minnesota state pandemic orders closed restaurants and bars.

When the food drive reopens this Saturday, VFW volunteers will collect food and other items drive-though fashion in the VFW Post parking lot.

“We’ll be wearing Covid masks and keeping safe distances,” says the Eden Prairie native. “Serving is something we’re just wired to do.” Post Commander Martin Adams writes, “As Veterans we know the old saying “an Army marches on its stomach” is true. It’s hard to concentrate on accomplishing the mission while feeling the pangs of hunger. That’s why our Post has always supported our communities’ local food shelves.”

“So far this year,” says Johnson, “we’ve donated more than $12,000 in cash to local food shelves and provided holiday food assistance for over 20 families.”

VFW 425 FOOD SHELF DRIVE

WHEN: Sat. Dec 19th, 10 am to 2 pm WHERE: 100 Shady Oak Road, Hopkins. (between Excelsior Blvd & Mainstreet).

WHERE DO DONATIONS GO? PROP: People Reaching Out for People and ICA – Intercongregational Communities Association.

WHAT KINDS OF FOOD ITEMS? Non-expired, damage-free, unopened non-perishable food items. Also grocery store $10 gift cards.

WHAT ITEMS ARE MOST NEEDED?

ICA is short on peanut butter, broth, gluten free flour, crackers, oatmeal, cat food (dry & wet), Laundry & dish soap, toilet paper, diapers (size 6).

PROP is short of broth or stock, oat meal (18-24 or variety packs), egg noodles, pasta with meat (12-16 oz), chili & stew (16-24 oz), bagged dry beans, tampons (16-48 count), razors, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner.

QUESTIONS – Contact the Post Service Officer at email <HopkinsVFW@gmail.com> or cell phone: 952-451-7088.