FORT MYERS, Fla. — Local families across Southwest Florida are hitting tough times due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus.
The Salvation Army is asking the community's help as they continue trying to feed those most in need.
New this week, the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Fort Myers has extended their days and hours at their food pantry.
Normally, it opens for a few hours on Tuesdays to supply visitors with a week-worth of food.
Now, it's distributing food on Tuesdays 4-7 p.m., Wednesdays 12-6 p.m., and Thursdays 9-3 p.m. at their pantry on Edison Avenue.
Tuesday, the Salvation Army served more than 40 people within 15 minutes of their newly extended hours.
Volunteers are seeing new families grateful to pick up food and hygiene products while unemployment is on the rise.
They say they're also reaching out to local restaurants that may have overstock due to the pandemic to keep food on the pantry shelves.
The non-profit is desperately seeking donations and volunteers to help meet the rising need in the community.
Some of the important food items they're asking for are dry rice, canned beans, vegetables, fruit, soup, ravioli, breakfast bars, oatmeal, Ramen noodles, Chef Boyardee, and single serve cereal.
Other items they're asking for are travel-sized hygiene items, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and bleach.
For more ways to help or to learn more about local services available, visit their website by clicking here.
