WILMINGTON – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is asking its communities to “Stock the Pantry” by contributing nonperishable goods in order for the agency to meet the high demand for emergency food distribution. The drive will continue through the end of February.
Donors can drop off food and grocery store gift cards at Catholic Charities locations during regular business hours.
“At least one in five of our neighbors do not have enough to eat on a daily basis,” said Richelle Vible, Catholic Charities’ executive director. “Over 3,000 households in the diocese depend on Catholic Charities for food assistance, often on a monthly basis.”
Suggested items for donation include canned meats, vegetables, fruits and meals; dried and canned beans; boxes of pasta, crackers, cereal; jars of peanut butter and jelly; juices, coffee, tea, hot cocoa mix and instant breakfasts; shelf-stable milk; baby food and cereal; condiments; cleaning products; and personal hygiene items.
Charities coordinates food cooperative programs at Bayard House in Wilmington, the Kent County office in Dover, Casa San Francisco in Milton and Seton Center in Princess Anne, Md. Residents can apply for membership in the programs by calling the location closest to them.
Casa San Francisco and Seton Center also operate emergency food pantries.
To make an online monetary donation, go to www.cdow.org/charities.html and designate your gift for food assistance.
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the following locations:
• Main office, 2601 W. Fourth St., Wilmington. (302) 655-9624
• Bayard House, 300 Bayard Ave., Wilmington. (302) 654-1184
• Marydale Retirement Village, 135 Jeandell Drive, Newark. (302) 368-2784
• Kent County office, 2099 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover. (302) 674-1600
• Sussex County office, 406 S. Bedford St., Suite 9, Georgetown. (302) 856-9578
• Casa San Francisco, 127 Broad St., Milton. (302) 684-8694
• Seton Center, 30632 Hampden Ave., Princess Anne, Md. (410) 651-9608
