MUSCATINE, Iowa–For over two decades, the Muscatine community has come together to make Two Weeks of Love a big success for the Salvation Army of Muscatine County. This year’s Two Weeks of Love will kick off with Toy Time from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 and conclude with Freezing for Food Dec. 5 through 9.
During Toy Time (or even a little earlier) people may drop off unwrapped toys or gift items for children under 18-years-old at Ed Morse Chevy Buick GMC at the corner of Highways 38 and 61 during the dealership’s regular business hours. All of the toys collected will go to the Salvation Army of Muscatine County’s toy shop, where families in need can register to pick out gifts for their children for free. “It is our goal every year to ensure that every child in Muscatine County will receive more than one gift from our toy drive,” said Ed Morse Executive Manager Joey Krieger. “Seeing first hand the excitement and joy of everyone picking out these amazing toys is priceless.”
The following week, Two Weeks of Love will continue with Freezing for Food. People may drop food off at either the HNI and Ruan truck at Hy-Vee or the TanTara Transportation truck at Fareway. People may elect to drop off any nonperishable food items they would like to give or purchase prepackaged food bags in store to donate.
The largest food drive in Muscatine County of the year, Matt Schweizer, district store director for Muscatine’s regional Hy-Vees, looks forward to bringing in a huge amount of food for the Salvation Army. In years past, Hy-Vee has had people donate 400-500 of the prepackaged food bags and he hopes they will prove just as generous again this year. “It’s great, especially at this time of year when people are so strapped–going into the holiday’s its got to get food to the pantries.”For individuals, organizations, or non-profits looking to make an especially large contribution, Schweizer encourages them to contact him at 563-264-2420 to arrange for a bulk donation of food.
Out in the parking lots, volunteers will standby to help people get their donations to the right place. At Hy-Vee, HNI and Ruan feel proud to provide the truck that will collect food donations and get them to the Salvation Army of Muscatine County. “Being able to use the capabilities we have to support the community feels great; every member that volunteers has a great experience helping fill the food shelves,” observed Eric Zillig, vice president of distribution and logistics at HNI.
At the HNI and Ruan trailer, volunteers from Pearl City Media can help unload large donations and get people on their way after making their donation. Pearl City Media’s broadcast team will also host the Muscatine Today Show live on location to help encourage donations and do live broadcasts of major contributions. “It’s always a pleasure to help out the Salvation Army, no matter what the event,” stated Pearl City Media President Chris Anderson: “We’ve been part of it since we started and plan to be part of it forever. We appreciate the chance to work with other businesses to give back.”
