Santa’s Pantry has raised 9,570 pounds of food for local food pantries since it started in January 08. We want to exceed our goal of 10,000 pounds by December 18th, 2009.

Santa’s Pantry is a perfect example of how “every donation helps”. The bulk of the food already raised and donated has come in small quantities from such events as “Skate for Food Night” where children bring a couple cans as their admission to skate.

Again this year we are offering family style activities for people to enjoy in exchange for food donations to help our local pantries.

Also offered will be our annual “Deuel Project” where parents can bring their children to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. They can also bring their own cameras and take as many pictures as they like if they bring food donations. This takes place on Dec. 5th and Dec. 12th at Linton’s Enchanted Gardens in Elkhart from Noon – 5pm each day. Children will also receive goodie bags, coloring books and have the chance to pull a coupon from Santa’s bag as a gift. Coupons include a chance at “top” gifts as well including things like tickets to the Science and Industry Museum for a family of four, a rebuilt Pentium 4 Dell Computer from Mikes Computer Solutions and a season pass for Nibco Ice Park.

December 18th will be our final activity for food with a special Ice-Skating with Santa night at Nibco Ice Park in Elkhart. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures for food donations from 7pm – 9pm and followed by Santa ice skating with all the children from 9pm – 9:30pm. (Admission additional for this event)

The pantries have a greater need for food this year then ever in the past. Help us exceed our goal and help the pantries keep their doors open during this holiday season!

For more information, please visit santaspantry.org