Note: Photos in this story are from previous years at the food pantry. All volunteers are wearing masks, washing hands frequently and taking other COVID precautions since the start of the pandemic.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
ELLIS — The annual Ellis Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday.
This year, perhaps more than others, the event is needed to help stock the shelves of the Ellis Food Boxes and Pantry, said Althea Groff, volunteer.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the need for food in Ellis has been fluctuating, Groff said, with some months the pantry serving more families than in years past and some months slightly less.
"It shows the instability of the whole situation, " she said.
The pantry is serving between 45 to 63 families per month. However, some of the food that is collected in the annual Trick or Treat food drive also helps fill Christmas food boxes.
The pantry usually serves 100 families or more through that program.
Because of concerns about COVID-19, residents are asked to put bags or boxes of food on their porches prior to the 4 p.m. start time of Sunday's drive.
If you miss the drive Sunday, you can also drop food donations at the Ellis Alliance office, 820 Washington. Monetary donations for the food pantry can also be made at the Alliance office.
"Our need at the pantry right now is getting product in," Groff said. "Some is still available through the Kansas Food Bank. They have been very supportive and been able to provide, so each time we are able to provide and are able to have enough food to give out. ...
"Every year, this Halloween Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat has been a wonderful thing for the food bank, and it just gives us a little boost so that we feel comfortable so we know that we will be able to provide for the people in Ellis," Groff said.
If your families needs to sign up for a Christmas food box, you can do so at the Ellis Alliance office or during the November food distribution from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the Food Pantry, 210 Madison — behind the Casey's in Ellis.
Groff wanted thank those who continue to donate to the pantry, as well as regular pantry volunteers and those volunteers who will be picking up food during Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat on Sunday.