In a collective effort to fight hunger in our community, the Rogers Lions, local businesses, and schools are joining together to collect food for CROSS Services, a nonprofit serving families and individuals in Rogers, Maple Grove, Osseo, Corcoran, Dayton, and west Champlin.
“The [Rogers Lions] food drive benefits members of our community who are struggling. CROSS is an exceptional organization providing assistance to thousands of people every year,” Rogers Lions member and food drive co-organizer David Brunetti said. “Donations of food and money help in those efforts, including providing services beyond the food shelf.”
One in nine Minnesotans experience food insecurity on a regular basis, according to Feed America. Donating to food shelves, like CROSS, can help relieve the stress of finding food and make a difference in the lives of local families. At CROSS, families visiting the food shelf chose food best suited to fit their needs in a grocery store type setting including fresh produce, shelf stable food, and bread.
For the Rogers Lions Food Drive, nonperishable donations are accepted at participating businesses through Oct. 16. Drop off locations for the public include:
- Rogers Dental Center, 21410 136th Ave. N., Suite 109
- First National Bank of Elk River, 13785 Rogers Drive, Suite 100
- Target Sports, 14166 Northdale Blvd
- Kindercare, 14080 Northdale Blvd
- BMO Harris Bank, 13798 Rogers Dr.
Families with children attending these local schools and child care facilities can donate onsite at:
- Appletime Child Care, 21051 John Milless Dr.
- New Horizon Academy, 14105 James Road
- Mary Queen of Peace, 21304 Church Avenue
- Rogers Middle School, 20855 141st Avenue
- Hassan Elementary, 14055 Orchid Avenue
- Rogers High School, 21000 141st Avenue
- Redeeming Grace Lutheran School, 14077 Monarch Lane
- Rogers Elementary, 12521 Main Street
- Kaleidoscope Charter School, 7525 Kalland Avenue, Otsego
“Each year, we hear from schools and businesses how much they appreciate the work of CROSS and their willingness to help again,” Brunetti said. As in previous years, Rogers Boy Scout Troop 582 is assisting with pickups and deliveries after the drive.
For community members donating, some of the most needed items in the CROSS Food Shelf include peanut butter, chili, stew, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, canned meat, pancake mix, shampoo, conditioner, diapers, hand soap, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, and laundry detergent.
“We encourage community members to patronize these businesses for their support of our community. The Rogers Lions Club appreciates the work of all at the schools, businesses, Boy Scout Troop 582, and CROSS,” Brunetti said.