Incarnation partners with the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, a program of the Mounds View School District located in the Silver View Plaza Mall at 2544 Mounds View Blvd. (formerly County Highway 10) in Mounds View, MN 55112 (651-621-6280).
2024 Tons of Love Campaign For Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
For numerous years, Incarnation has engaged in an important summer campaign for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf called Tons of Love. This has always served as one of the ways Incarnation responds to the weighty issue of summer food insecurity.
This year, we would like to see if we can get a Ton of non-perishable donations, i.e. 2000 pounds, donated to RRFS, along with the virtual tons of financial donations that are so generously given.
Bring your donations to Incarnation from June 30 – August 4, any time the building is open.
While weighing your summer priorities, we pray you will consider supporting the Tons of Love campaign:
- by purchasing a bag of non-perishable food or household items from your favorite store,
- with an online financial gift via realm (go to https://onrealm.org/IncarnationLuth/-/give/now – and choose “Ralph Reeder Food Shelf” as the Fund),
- by writing a check to Incarnation with “Tons of Love” in the memo,
- by purchasing (anytime) from the list below of suggested weekly donations focused on needed items which the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf has a difficult time sourcing at a discount.
Suggested Weekly Donation Focuses:
Week 1: SUMMER ESSENTIALS — ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, grill seasoning, sunscreen, kid-friendly bug spray, band-aids, triple antibiotic ointment.
Week 2: LUNCH IS SERVED — macaroni and cheese, chili, soups, stew, ramen, canned tuna and chicken, meals in a can, Hormel Compleats.
Week 3: SNACK TIME — granola bars, cereal bars, fruit snacks, chips, crackers, cookies, pudding, nuts, dried fruit.
Week 4: SQUEAKY CLEAN — laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher soap, bar soap, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, powdered cleanser, all-purpose cleaner, toilet paper, kleenex, paper towels.
Week 5: OH BABY! Diapers — size 1 through 6, pull-ups, wipes, diaper ointment, pouches, toddler-friendly snacks.
Remember that your financial donation is very powerful. Stretch your financial gifts and let Ralph Reeder Food Shelf purchase what they need when they need it, often at discounted prices. Every dollar counts!!
Tons of Love is one way we live into our calling as we respond to the larger world, where food insecurity assistance is needed even more than ever these days. Our mission:
Filled by God’s grace, we feed the hungry in heart, body, mind, and spirit.
Be a part of getting the most food and household items possible into the homes of as many of our neighbors as possible who especially need them this summer! Thank you for your generosity!
Service Opportunities at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
Ralph Reeder Food is welcoming back volunteers! If you are interested in serving at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, complete the volunteer interest form found here. When there are service opportunities available, you will be contacted with more information and instructions. Volunteer opportunities typically include food rescue from grocery stores, stocking shelves and bags for clients, and driving food to homebound clients.
Other Special Donation Opportunities for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
There are typically a variety of special drives and giving opportunities in support of the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf including:
- Holiday Food collections for Thanksgiving and Christmas in November and December.
- Operation Christmas Joy collecting and distributing toys in December.
- Statewide Minnesota FoodShare Month in March, which includes matching dollars.
- Birthday Bags: cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates/napkins/cups, decorations and a small toy or treat, all placed within a small gift bag (all year round).
Questions about Incarnation’s partnership with the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf? Contact Julie Durbin in our front office.