The annual Stuff the Bus food drive for the Community of Concern Food Pantry is set for this weekend in Carroll, and its organizers say this year’s drive comes after one of the most challenging months in the pantry’s history. Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw disruptions to their benefits at the start of November due to the government shutdown, and many of them turned to the Community of Concern, a need-based rather than income-based pantry, to help cover the gap. Luanne Kustra, who has organized Stuff the Bus for more than 20 years, says it will help the pantry restock its shelves during its traditionally busiest time of year.
The suggested donation is $20, and that will purchase a prearranged bag of grocery items for the pantry.
Stuff the Bus runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Carroll Hy-Vee. Volunteers will be stationed inside at a table collecting donations from shoppers, while a Western Iowa Transit (WIT) bus, provided by Region XII, will be parked outside for people to drop off supplies from home or elsewhere. Part of the preparations includes packing the bags on Friday night, and Kustra says many hands make light work.
Kustra adds that those wanting to support Stuff the Bus but won’t be available on Saturday can also donate to the pantry via Venmo, and those details are included with this story on our website. Kustra says her goal is to collect at least $2,000 or the equivalent in food items for families in need this Christmas season. Again, Stuff the Bus runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Carroll Hy-Vee.
