Grocery boxes help customers at food shelves
Guests at The Salvation Army food shelves often arrive empty-handed. It can be raining – it can be snowing – which can certainly make it a challenge to carry bags of groceries home. That’s especially true for those who receive help in Rochester, where most of our guests use mass transit to get to and from the food shelf.
But thanks to an Albert Lea, Minn. business that donated thousands of boxes, carrying groceries will be a lot easier during inclement weather and other times of the year.
“Part of our company’s philosophy is giving back to the community,” explained Abby Christensen, Minnesota Corrugated Box Inc. “This year we donated 7,750 boxes to eight different Salvation Army food shelves.”
The boxes are as much a godsend for the volunteers who pack them with groceries, as they are for the people who receive them. MCB Inc. has worked with The Salvation Army food shelf in Albert Lea for several years, but this year they’re also donating them to: Austin, Fairmont, Mankato, Coon Rapids, Rochester, and even Waterloo and Des Moines, Iowa.
The boxes read, “Teaming up to help those in need,” with The Salvation Army shield pictured on each one. If you can recall what the old “Rainbow Foods” and “Cub Foods” boxes looked like, they’re very similar to those. The boxes are sturdy and come equipped with handles on both ends and, unlike paper bags, can stand up to raindrops and snowflakes.
“Thanks Minnesota Corrugated Box for thinking of us,” said Colonel Robert Thomson, The Salvation Army Northern Division leader. “It’s a great contribution and not only helps us to provide a better service, but helps give even more assistance to people in our communities that may already be struggling.”
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering (view local opportunities by selecting “Volunteering” in the community menu) or making a donation to support your local community.