It’s that time of year again when organizations are asking surrounding communities to think about those who are less fortunate through contributions.
Loaves & Fishes, a non-profit food pantry, is starting up various drives to assist families in need including a turkey pledge, monetary contributions for a new van, Christmas toy donations, “angel trees” under which people can leave wrapped presents, and gifts of chocolate packages.
This holiday season, Loaves & Fishes will help about 550 families through holiday donations in Apopka.
Anyone with questions may call 407-886-6005 and ask for Lory or Karen. Loaves & Fishes’ address is 206 E. 8th St., Apopka.
Turkey pledge
Loaves & Fishes is asking individuals, groups, organizations and churches to inform them about pledging a turkey or turkeys. Donors may also give money to help Loaves & Fishes make bulk turkey purchases. Checks written to Loaves & Fishes should have “turkey” written in the memo line.
Along with turkeys, other holiday food donations that are sought are chickens, canned hams, canned yams, gravy, canned fruit, instant potatoes, pasta, Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper and stuffing.
New van is needed
Loaves & Fishes is looking to replace its 1999 Ford van, and hopes to buy a $28,000 used 250 transit van from Mullinax Ford that allows room for the non-profit’s volunteers to stand up in the cargo area to load and unload.
Anyone who would like to donate, please mark “van” on the check.
Christmas toys
Loaves & Fishes is accepting new toy donations until Friday, December 16, including LEGO sets, art and craft kits, sports balls, Barbie clothes, ethnic Barbies, board games for teenagers, tea sets, baby toys and big trucks.
Angel trees
Loaves & Fishes is asking community members to consider establishing a Christmas tree in their church or workplace with hanging ornaments listing a toy on the back of each one. Individuals take an ornament from such “angel trees” and place an unwrapped toy under it according to what the ornament reads.
Interested parties may contact Loaves & Fishes and ask to print ornament labels.
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate
This year, Loaves & Fishes will fill approximately 550 tins with Hershey’s miniature chocolates and Kisses as a family gift on behalf of Loaves & Fishes and the community. Therefore, the organization needs 900 full-sized candy bars to include two in each child’s Christmas bag. Donations are needed by November 1 so volunteers have enough time to fill the tins.
According to the Loaves & Fishes newsletter, the non-profit has found Costco sells the miniatures and Kisses in bulk at a reasonable cost.
Loaves & Fishes’ distribution/holiday schedule
- November 21-23: Thanksgiving distribution
- November 24: Loaves & Fishes is closed
- December 19-22: Christmas distribution
- December 23-January 8: Loaves & Fishes is closed
- January 9: Loaves & Fishes reopens
For more information on non-profit organizations in the Apopka community, read The Apopka Chief and The Planter.
