De Soto residents can drop off canned goods and household supplies at City Hall through the end of September to help stock the De Soto Food Pantry's shelves.
The city announced the partnership on its website after Mayor Walker proclaimed September as Hunger Awareness Month at a City Council meeting. A donation barrel now sits in the lobby at City Hall, 32905 W. 84th St.
The drive accepts donations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and runs through Wednesday, Sept. 30. City Hall will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day, so donors should plan around that date.
The pantry listed specific items it needs most right now. Shelf-stable proteins top the list: canned chicken, tuna or salmon, along with peanut, almond or sun butter. The city's announcement also calls for canned fruits and vegetables, dried or canned low-sodium beans, brown rice or whole grain pasta, soup and cereal.
Household products are welcome too. The pantry is asking for soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and toilet paper.
The city said every donated item goes directly to families in the De Soto community through the food pantry.
This is the first time the city has publicly announced a partnership with the De Soto Food Pantry for a month-long collection drive at City Hall. Mayor Walker's proclamation ties the effort to a broader push to raise awareness about hunger in the community during September.
Upcoming community dates
- Monday, Sept. 7 — City Hall closed for Labor Day
- Wednesday, Sept. 30 — Last day for food pantry donations at City Hall
