Food pantry seeks donations

Food - By The News-Gazette on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 23:00

CHAMPAIGN – Salt and Light Ministry had to close its doors early on Wednesday because it completely ran out of food.

Salt and Light Ministry Assistant Melany Jackson said the organization's food distribution program, which usually runs from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, shut down at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Jackson said 400 families came in to collect food.

"We went through $1,500 of groceries in 2 1/2 hours," Jackson said. "It is very difficult for us to turn people away who are counting on us for help. It broke our hearts to tell people we didn't have any more food."

Jackson said Salt and Light has been providing food to an average of 420 people, representing 1,500 people, over the last four weeks.

Jackson said those who want to help can send money to pay for more food.

"If you give us $10, we can use it to buy $100 of groceries from the food bank," Jackson said.

People can mail contributions to Salt and Light at 1512 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign, IL 61821. Financial contributions may also be made between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition, contributions made be made using PayPal at the organization's website, http://www.saltandlightministry.org.