March 28, 2024

Stuff the Bus event is ‘food for thought’ around the holidays

Two local businesses are joining together to support two local charities.

The public is invited to drop off donated items from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Newton Hy-Vee parking lot for a Stuff the Bus event to benefit the Salvation Army Community Food Pantry and the Jasper County Animal Rescue League.

Hawkeye Stages has partnered with Hy-Vee to provide the motor coach for people to fill with their donations.

Both businesses are hoping for an outpouring of generosity from area residents in order to benefit the two local charities. The food pantry recently announced it was experiencing a food shortage and asked for the community’s support to receive donations.

Items the food pantry are in need of include: protein (peanut butter, canned meat, canned fish), canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned soup, dry pasta, ramen noodles, spaghetti sauce, boxed meals (such as macaroni and cheese, Tuna Helper, etc.), breakfast items (including cereal) and 100 percent fruit juice. The Salvation Army is also in need of personal care and paper items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.).

Additionally, donations are the backbone of the JCARL, which is a no-kill shelter. They are the only shelter in Jasper County and are committed to saving the lives of the homeless animals in the surrounding area.

JCARL is in need of: non-clumping cat litter, small breed dry dog food, canned dog food, peanut butter, canned pumpkin, 55 gallon trash bags, Clorox wipes, paper towels, collars, leashes, durable dog toys and nylabones.