August 27, 2009 -- Each summer the Community Education department collects donations of school supplies for children in need for the upcoming school year. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf also takes donations of food for families in need. Unfortunately, need is outpacing donations significantly this year.

How to donate food or school supplies
Please consider making a non-perishable food donation or school supply donation. Food items most in need include canned fruits, vegetables and meats, hamburger and tuna helper, sweet cereal, snack items, soups, chili, stew, spaghettios, toilet paper, laundry detergent and other personal care items. School supply items especially needed include backpacks, calculators, pocket folders, wide-lined notebooks, wide-line washable markers, colored pencils, red pens, highlighters, protractors, compasses, erasers, glue sticks, school boxes and 3-ring binders.

Donations will be accepted at the following locations:
1. Ralph Reeder Food Shelf - Pike Lake Education Center - 2101 NW 14th St. New Brighton. Drop-off hours Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. -2 p.m. or Fridays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or by appt.
2. Your child's school during regular office hours.
3. Back to School Nights or Open Houses. A list is available here. 

How to receive
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and need help with school supplies or food, please call the food shelf at 651-621-7451.