Food Pantry Donations at the Library: November Focus is “Personal Hygiene Items”

Seneca Free Library is a proud supporting partner with the Nemaha County Food Pantry, collecting food and personal hygiene items for community members in need of assistance. November’s Donation Focus takes a step away from food items and asks instead for personal hygiene items: soap, shampoo, combs and brushes (unused), toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving razors, shaving cream, and feminine hygiene products.  It’s hard to be your best when you’re struggling to afford the basics, and these are items that often get overlooked because people often assume the food pantry only deals in food. Donations can be delivered to the library during our regular hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Pay it back! Pay it forward! Or just make a contribution for the sake of doing good for others.

This is a service we offer the community. The Food Pantry is staffed by volunteers and is open one day a week. Rather than having to remember what day and hours they are open, you can drop your donations by the library and we will deliver them for you! We highlight different items to donate each month just to offer some direction and promote awareness. When everything is needed on a regular basis, it can be helpful to have some guidance.

If you have large donations it is best to deliver them directly to the food pantry. We can help facilitate a drop off time if needed. Call us during regular business hours at 785-336-2377.

Some Important Points to Note:

* The Food Pantry is closed the second Wednesday of every month.

* Paper goods and personal hygiene products are also always needed!

* Opened and outdated products are NOT accepted at the Pantry.

Each Family receives the following items Once a Month.

  • 1 breakfast item
  • 4 cans of vegetables
  • 1 can of beans
  • 1 package of rice
  • 1 pasta and sauce
  • 1 jar of peanut butter
  • 1 box of crackers
  • 2 cans of fruit
  • 1 can of tuna or chicken
  • 2 cans of soup
  • 1 dessert
  • 1 pound of meat.

While we highlight different donation items each month here at the library, the following items are ALWAYS NEEDED:

  • Paper products [toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex]
  • personal products [feminine hygiene, sanitary wipes, etc.]
  • boxed cereals
  • oatmeal
  • pancake mix and pancake syrup
  • canned vegetables
  • rice
  • pasta and pasta sauce
  • peanut butter
  • boxed crackers
  • canned fruit
  • canned tuna
  • canned chicken
  • boxed tuna and chicken helper
  • canned soups
  • jello and pudding mixes
  • cookies
  • cake mixes and frosting
  • pie mix
  • and more!
  • They also accept laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and bath soap.