Pantry to People Food Drive to be Hosted by SunLine Transit

From SunLine Transit Agency: SunLine Transit Agency is partnering with the Palm Desert Sunset and Noon Rotary, KMIR-TV and Alpha Media to host the 5th Annual ‘Pantry to People’ food collection event, happening this Saturday, March 31st from 7am to 7pm. ‘Pantry to People’ will benefit the Galilee Center in Mecca – which provides fresh produce and non-perishable food items to more than 300 individuals weekly.

The purpose of the event is to encourage snowbirds to “clean out their pantries” before leaving the desert for the season – as pantry items will expire and need to be discarded by the time seasonal residents return next winter. Property management companies in the area often find that when visitors leave theirrentals or second homes, food is left behind to expire.

The drive will accept donations of un-opened non-perishable food, canned foods, diapers and toiletries. However, the food drive is not just limited to snowbirds. Full-time residents can also contribute by bringing donations from their own pantries or purchasing items to donate on site at the Albertsons located at 74-590 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, at the corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon. Donations will be loaded onto a SunBus parked in front of the Albertsons.

“This is the 5th year we’ve hosted this event, and it has really made an impact in helping those in need here in our community,” said Lauren Skiver, CEO/GeneralManager of SunLine Transit Agency. “We hear from so many each year who are leaving the Coachella Valley that are so pleased they can fill our bus with this unused food for the benefit of others rather than have it expire and go to waste. This giving opportunity truly comes full circle. Seasonal residents are able to clear out their pantries while helping others at the same time.”

For more information, call Norma Stevens at 760-343-3456 or e-mail Norma at nstevens@sunline.org.

Click here to see this event on the Patch Calendar.

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