Food drive bags appeared attached to Sloatsburg residents’ doors Sunday, promoting a holiday food drive for the local UMC Food Pantry. The plastic bags make it very easy for residents to contribute without even leaving their house. Just fill the bag with a few items and reattach to the front door for pickup before noon on Sunday, December 18.

The Sloatsburg UMC Food Pantry is a quiet, tireless organization that works behind-the-scenes to feed families and seniors within the Ramapo Central and Tuxedo Union Free school districts. It’s also part of a larger alliance of food pantries and feeding programs across Rockland County.

UMC Food Pantry Director Susan Meyer said that economic conditions have expanded the food pantry’s programs. “It’s definitely the economy” she said. “The working poor, underemployed, single mothers. We’ve also seen an increase in senior members. During these difficult economic times, more and more people need help.”

If you received a plastic bag with instructions, take a moment and consider a donation. Food items needed include canned goods, boxed cereals, rice and pasta, as well as canned or boxed juices. For those generous givers, turkeys and hams will be accepted.

For additional information on this holiday food drive, call 753-5080.