February is National Canned Food Month, and that means it’s time for the annual “Cram the Car” event in Effingham, Illinois. HSHS Home Care is collaborating with local businesses, including Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota and Roy Schmidt Honda, to collect nonperishable food and hygiene items for Catholic Charities’ food pantry.
Throughout February, community members can donate items, which will be packed into cars by HSHS Home Care staff on March 1. This initiative supports various counties, including Clark, Crawford, and Shelby, ensuring everyone has access to essential supplies.
Valerie Engelbart, a volunteer services supervisor at HSHS Home Care, shares her excitement about the event. She believes it highlights the kindness and support within the community. “It’s a privilege to deliver these generous donations,” she said.
Here’s a quick list of suggested donations:
- Boxed meals (like Hamburger Helper)
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Canned fruits (sugar-free)
- Low-salt canned vegetables
- Soap and shampoo
- Feminine products
Donors are encouraged to check expiration dates before giving.
You can drop off your contributions at:
- HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Various car dealerships during business hours (Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Roy Schmidt Honda, Northside Ford-Lincoln, Goeckner Bros. Inc., and Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC).
The support for food pantries is crucial today. A recent report from Feeding America showed that in 2022, food insecurity affected over 34 million people in the U.S., highlighting the importance of community-driven initiatives like this one.
For more details, you can visit HSHS Home Care’s Cram the Car page.
By working together, we can make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives. Let’s see how many cars we can fill this year!
