‘Tis the Season: Two Weeks of Love Returns to Continue Nineteen Year Tradition of Giving
by Margaret Hurlbert
November 25, 2019

With Thanksgiving this week, no one can deny the holiday season has arrived. With it comes one of Muscatine’s most beloved traditions, Two Weeks of Love. The Salvation Army Muscatine’s (SAM’s) biggest giving opportunity since 2000, people and businesses around Muscatine have already gotten to work to make this year’s event the most successful yet.

In 2000, Two Weeks of Love began with a toy drive at Krieger’s Muscatine. Dubbed Toy Time, this portion of Two Weeks of Love collects toys for the SAM to distribute to children in need across the county. This year, Toy Time will take place from Monday, December 2nd through Friday, December 6th. Anyone wanting to help out may simply bring an unwrapped toy for a child from birth through eighteen years of age to the Hawkeye Hauler in front of Krieger’s Muscatine during their business hours. To encourage generous donations, Blain’s Farm and Fleet will donate one toy from their Toyland section for every toy that a local resident drops off. Additionally, Viola Werner will bring a sizable donation of bikes for children of all ages.

After the Hawkeye Hauler drops off its load of toys, the second week of Two Weeks of Love, Freezing for Food, will take place at Hy-Vee Second Avenue from Monday, December 9th through Friday, December 13th. A vital part of Two Weeks of Love, Freezing for Food provides the majority of the food the SAM needs to operate for an entire year. To help ensure that everyone in Muscatine County has enough to eat, residents have several opportunities to contribute. You may donate one of Hy-Vee’s $5.00 prepacked food bags, which includes items specifically requested by the SAM. Alternately, you may bring any nonperishable food items and drop them off at the truck as well.

Troy “Stinky” Philpott and Jeff Storm dropping off food to Freezing for Food in 2018.

New this year, Hy-Vee will staff the Hawkeye Hauler with volunteers from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm. This will allow them to accept donations all day long and help the community get more involved too. To sign yourself or a group up to volunteer, call Hy-Vee Second Avenue at (563)-264-2420 and ask to speak with Tony Tone.

However, you can support Two Weeks of Love, the SAM deeply appreciates your support. As Lieutenant Greg Bock put it, “it’s not just giving a toy or giving a bag of food. It’s more than that. You’re affecting the destiny of your neighbors.”

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