People ask me all the time what we need and I think, heck, we need a lot of stuff.

But after a little bit of consideration, I've realized there a few things we always need.

1. Plastic grocery-sized bags

We use these in the front food pantry and for bagging clothes in the clothing bank.

Please save all of your shopping bags and bring them in when you come to the store because we sure could use them.

2. Food for the food pantry

Canned goods for the food pantry like canned and fresh vegetables and fruits, peanut butter, tuna fish, ramen, rice, beans and easy-to-eat snack items.

Our pantry is open daily and we see large numbers of families each month.

3. Food for the soup kitchen

We serve breakfast and lunch daily (and diner when the cold weather shelter is open) and feed anywhere from around 40 to 120 each day, which takes quite a bit of food.

We do receive donations from WalMart, Albertson's and Road Runner Food Bank and couldn't do this without them, but always need more items to round out our meals.

Items that are good for the soup kitchen are things like coffee, creamer, bottled water, fresh produce, salad dressings, bread, soups and sauces and dessert items.

4. Paper Products

We go through an amazing amount of toilet paper, paper towels, diapers and feminine napkins. These are necessities, and we always have requests in this area.

5. Hygiene Items

We always need items like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving cream and razors, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer, wash cloths, lip balm, makeup, combs and brushes, small mirrors and other personal care items. You can either make them up in kit form or bring us individual items and travel-sized ones are usually best.

Now of course, we are never adverse to accepting cold, hard cash because it does take quite a bit to pay the utility bills, and your thrift store donations help us keep the clothing bank open.

But no matter what you care to donate, rest assured that we are always very grateful and will try to be the best stewards we can be as we work as your hands to take care of the needy in Silver City.