Bobby Green
progress
An off-duty police officer and a Salvation Army volunteer work together to unload a large trailer full of food donations collected by the Parade of Lights organization for the Salvation Army food pantry in Mesquite. Photo by Bobby Green/The Progress
A Mesquite nonprofit group donated a large amount of food to the Salvation Army Food Bank last week.
The Parade of Lights food fundraiser began early this year, delivering nearly 2,000 pounds of food and hygiene products to the Salvation Army on Friday, May 31st.
This donation gave Parade of Lights founders Debbie and Mike Benham the opportunity to meet and get to know Mesquite Salvation Army’s new director, Anthony Rivera. The Parade of Lights food drive has been a great benefit to the Salvation Army Food Pantry for many years.
Debbie Benham told Rivera that she started her food drive a little earlier this year because she had already received so many donations, and she decided to start shopping early, too.
A total of 1,883 pounds of food donations were already stored in a storage room on the Jimmy Hughes Campus where Parade of Lights collects food donations in preparation for donation, ready to be delivered to the Salvation Army.
Rivera was surprised by the mid-year donation from the organization running the biggest event before the Christmas holidays.
“It’s not every day you come across a caring couple like this,” Rivera said, “and no one else I’ve worked anywhere else did this.”
The Benhams explained that they plan to collect food between now and the Christmas lights parade. They will be weighing the food and marking every item with a best-by date.
The Benhams explained that off-duty Mesquite Police Department (MPD) employees, particularly Lt. Chris Lowry, have generously donated their time and effort to help load and transport food to the pantry.
“I want to help people who need help,” Debbie told Rivera.
“I’m looking forward to working with you two!” Rivera said with a smile.
MPD volunteers delivered food to the pantry Friday morning. It was busy that morning because it was also the center’s monthly service resource day. The Baby Bounty diaper bank, the Spread the Word reading program and Canyonlands Healthcare representative Project Marilyn brought feminine hygiene products. These organizations provide diapers, books and health care resources to registered Salvation Army clients.
Anyone interested in donating or helping out with the Parade of Lights Food Drive can contact Debbie at 702-324-2038.
