Special to The Explorer
The Salvation Army is making an "urgent public appeal" for food donations to serve this year's first Community Easter Breakfast, set for this Sunday, April 4 at 1021 N. 11th, the Hospitality House West Lot.
Donations are "nearly non-existent," according to a Sunday release from The Salvation Army. It is "desperately seeking" more than 100 pre-cooked hams, 100 dozen eggs and 600 assorted pastries and rolls for the breakfast.
The Salvation Army expects to feed more than 500 people a full breakfast buffet, with scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, ham, pastries and beverages from 9 to 11 a.m. Easter baskets provided by Walgreen's are being given to children. An Easter service is planned at 11 a.m.
This year's Easter breakfast was initiated by The Salvation Army because of the increasing number of impoverished families in need of assistance, the release said.
"Unfortunately, each year the number of families in need seems to increase," said Tamara McElwee, Salvation Army public relations director. "It isn't just during the holiday season. These people need help now. We are hopeful that the generosity and compassion of our donors will see us through the spring."
The Hospitality House's west lot is the site of the future Salvation Army shelter, The Gateway of Hope.
How to help
Donations of food and money for an Easter Sunday breakfast are being accepted at The Salvation Army, 1001 N. Richey Blvd., and The Hospitality House, 1021 N. 11th Ave. Financial donations may be mailed to 1001 N. Richey Blvd., Tucson, 85716, attn: Easter.
Needed items are 100 dozen eggs, 600 assorted pastries, 100 pre-cooked hams, 10 gallons of milk, orange juice, salt and pepper, butter.
To help The Salvation Army or to volunteer, call 795-1395.
