Millions of people across America go hungry every day. The Fraternal Order of Eagles has taken on the challenge of alleviating this problem by helping local food pantries across the U.S. and Canada to stock their shelves.
Detroit Lakes Eagles Aerie 2342 and its Auxiliary are taking part in “People Helping Pantries,” a nationwide food drive that gets underway this week.
During her visit to Detroit Lakes last month, Eagles Auxiliary Grand Madam President Penny Skinner charged the local auxiliary with doing its part.
“We’re going to try to fill the food banks in each area,” she said.
This Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2, Detroit Lakes residents can drop off food items in the collection boxes inside the local Eagles Club at 112 W. Holmes St. (on the south side of the Washington Square Mall), anytime after 4 p.m.
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Then on Saturday, Oct. 3, Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary members will be standing by outside the club between 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. for people to drop off their donations at the curb.
“There will be some spaces blocked off outside the club so you can drop off your donations at the curb,” said Eagles Auxiliary member Betty Hochhalter, who is helping to organize the drive. “We can use apples, garden produce, canned goods and other non-perishable food items, or they can make a cash donation.”
“All the donations will go directly to the Becker County Food Pantry,” she added.
The local food pantry has a refrigerator to keep food fresh, which is why they are able to accept fresh produce donations, Hochhalter noted.
“If someone has an apple tree they are not picking this year, give us a call and we will go out to pick the apples for the Food Pantry,” Hochhalter said, adding that those who would like to make a bulk donation can also contact her at 218-841-1410 to make arrangements for pickup if they are unable to drop off the items during the scheduled times.
“There are 48 states with Eagles aeries and auxiliaries that are being asked to participate,” Hochhalter said, adding that while donations are being accepted now, all of the participating aeries will do their final tallies and report to the national organization after the big collection is complete on Oct. 3.
“Then on Monday (Oct. 5) we will bring it all over to the Food Pantry so it can be distributed this fall to the people who need it,” she added.
Follow Detroit Lakes Newspapers reporter Vicki Gerdes on Twitter at @VickiLGerdes .
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