COUNTYWIDE : Salvation Army Seeks Food Gifts

The Salvation Army of Orange County is asking for donations of canned goods for its Christmas-in-June food drive.

This is the second year the Salvation Army has needed a midyear food drive, said Warren Johnson, Orange County business administrator for the organization.

“Basically, it’s a direct response to a 40% to 60% increase in the number of people asking for assistance since 1990,” Johnson said.

The Salvation Army’s food supply will be depleted by the end of the month if the drive is not a success, he added.

“The real catalyst this year was the May disturbances in Los Angeles. We sent almost everything we had up there,” Johnson said.

The first Christmas-in-June food drive was somewhat disappointing because response from the public was low, he said.

This year, the Salvation Army’s goal is 50,000 pounds of food.

If that is not reached, the agency will have to purchase supplies to help the needy.

“We believe that amount could get us through the balance of the summer and probably fall, when people usually start donating for Thanksgiving. If we can get more, of course we’ll be delighted and will find families to give that food to,” he said.

In an effort to increase this year’s donations the agency has made it easier to give; food can be deposited at all police departments in the county throughout the month.

Canned or packaged foods can also be taken to any county Salvation Army center or thrift store during working hours.

Baseball fans are also encouraged to bring canned and dry goods to the June 20 and 21 California Angels games, Johnson said.

In addition to restocking the Salvation Army’s food supplies, Johnson said, a goal of the drive is to remind people that there is a year-round need for donations.

“After the big Christmas push, people get comfortable and get back into their routines. Really, ours is not a seasonable affair. People need food all year,” Johnson said.

The Salvation Army of Orange County will also be sharing food collected with other county nonprofit agencies, including Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Episcopal Services Alliance, Vineyard Ministries, Anaheim Interfaith Shelter and others.