We’re very excited to be kick-starting the holiday season with a food drive in partnership with the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. Beginning Thursday November 8, we will have a Food Collection Box prepared to collect non-perishable foods to donate to families in need for the Holidays.

Please keep these families in mind on grocery shopping trips or during your cupboard clean ups and drop off any items at all that could help a family this holiday season. The drop box is located at the Celebrations Christmas Store at 64 Kingbird Drive in Industrial Park. Your donations are appreciated.

The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre is a non-government charitable organization that provides services and programs focusing on domestic and sexual abuse through the provision of safe temporary shelter for women and their children, community education and assistance to all victims of abuse. After the individuals and families exit the shelter facility, they are enrolled in the Aftercare Program which allows the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre to provide continued support to them and their children. The CICC currently have approximately 100 families in their Aftercare Program and 200-250 children. Groceries and imperishable goods are very high on their wish lists, especially around Holidays.

Food insecurity (not knowing when you will get your next meal) is a struggle for many people all year round so we ask that as you plan your meals this week and this season, please keep the families in need in mind. A few cents spared on canned goods can greatly help a family get through the struggles of a tough holiday season.

But what types of donations help most? And what kinds of food should you avoid donating? Here are the best ways to help hungry families:

Shelf-Stable Protein Sources

Protein is something we try to have on hand all the time. Canned tuna, ham and chicken, as well as vegetarian protein sources, like baked beans and peanut butter, are all great choices. If a family is not able to purchase meat, these substitutions can help create a filling meal.

Donation Suggestions

  • Canned tuna or salmon
  • Canned ham, chicken or other meats
  • Baked beans / Spaghetti
  • Dried beans
  • Canned soups and stews
  • Peanut butter / Vegemite
  • Nuts
  • Trail mix

Rice, Pasta, and Other Pantry Staples

Filling shelf-stable foods, which people can cook in any number of ways, are always welcome. The main staple items you would keep in your own pantry are what’s needed to help people create a variety of different meals.

Donation Suggestions

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Oatmeal / Cereal
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce / Pasta Sauce
  • Canned vegetables / Canned fruit
  • Cooking oils
  • Flour

 

What to Avoid Donating

Damaged, Unlabeled, or Home-Canned Food

For food safety reasons, items like rusty or dented cans, unlabeled packages, or non-commercially packaged food cannot be distributed. The same goes for perishable items and opened containers (unless you’re a farmer donating). If you are unsure, please ask us before donating.

 

For more information on how you can assist the families in need this holiday season, contact your local family organizations such as the Cayman Islands Crisis Center, Feed Our Future or the Family Resource Center. The helpful staff will be able to guide you in the right direction. Every little bit helps.

 

With Love,

The Celebrations Team