Empowering Community Support: Tooele Food Pantry and Local Pastor Join Forces to Assist Families in Need

TOOELE — On a warm Wednesday in June, the Tooele Food Pantry overflowed with donations. Volunteers sorted cans, creating a bustling scene of generosity. But as summer arrives, the pantry faces a challenge: donations often decrease, even though community needs don’t vanish, said pantry manager Amber Davidsavor.

Recently, members of the Tooele Interfaith Council toured the pantry. When they asked how to help, Davidsavor was quick to respond. “If they want to make a genuine impact, summer is the time,” she told them. And they listened.

The council announced plans to collect donations throughout the summer at various local events. Each festival will feature a different congregation managing donation bins, making it easy for attendees to contribute.

Traci Hardell, co-chair of the council and pastor at Mountain of Faith Lutheran Church, emphasized the simplicity of this approach. “Jesus calls us to serve and love our neighbor, and one basic need is food,” she stated. “These bins will make it easy for people to donate while enjoying community events.”

The additional contributions are critical, especially for families whose children rely on free lunches during the school year but lack those same meals in the summer. “When the community knows our needs, they respond wonderfully,” Davidsavor said. “I think it’s going to be fantastic.”

The pantry is particularly in need of hygiene items like shampoo, detergent, and toilet paper. Donations will be accepted at several upcoming events:

• Tooele July 4 Celebration, Aquatic Center Park
• July 5 Concert, Tooele High School
• July 4 Events, Grantsville City Park
• 3 on 3 Basketball, July 3, Grantsville Elementary
• Bit & Spur Rodeo, July 3-5, Tooele County Complex
• Erda Days, July 11-12
• Stansbury Days, August 16

This initiative echoes a growing trend. According to a recent survey by Feeding America, 42 million Americans may experience food insecurity this year. Community-driven support, like the efforts in Tooele, plays a crucial role in addressing these needs. The collaborative approach not only eases hunger but also strengthens community bonds, showing that helping one another is at the heart of what it means to be a neighbor.

As more people become aware of local needs, efforts like these can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute and support their communities all year round. For more information on ways to help, visit the Tooele Food Pantry.

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