Do you live in a Retirement Community, Sub-division, Trailer Park or other location which has a Community or Recreational Center?  If so, please consider setting up a Food Pantry Fundraising Candy Box!  Every week or so, enough money is raised through this simple operation to help feed many hungry mouths here in South Texas. No matter where you live or how limited your own finances might be, this is one way you can financially help others and keep the Food Pantry full to feed the hungry here on the Texas border with Mexico!  

The Candy Box Fundraiser Idea was initiated by Michael Price of Holy Trinity Antiochian Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Michael and his wife, Paula, live in a Travel Trailer in a Senior Retirement Community.  The Community's residents gladly welcomed this service - and are happy to help support our Food Pantry!  It's a win-win situation!

Below, see directions for setting up a Fundraising Candy Box in your community:

Go to the craft stores, thrift stores or other stores  and search for a decent-looking tray (wooden, metal, ceramic, etc.) or basket that will hold 25-30 or more assorted candy bars/snacks. Then find a box of wood or metal that is big enough to screw on (or otherwise attach permanently) to the tray or basket. This will be your money collection box, so it should be capable of having a money slot and latch with lock attached or installed. (To make a money slot, measure and mark where the slot will go. Drill a hole the size of the slot on both ends of the mark. With a sharp knife or small saw, slice out the slot. REMEMBER THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE THE SLOT BIG ENOUGH FOR BOTH COINS AND FOLDED BILLS. Attach the money box to the candy tray. Make a sign in easily read block letters stating the price per candy bar (I charge $1.00 per bar), and also designating where the money will go (i.e. St. George Food Pantry) and maybe attach a small icon card to the sign. Fill the tray with the varieties of candy bars/snacks you think people will buy and place the tray/money box in a location where:

1.You have received permission to do so.

2. You think there will be enough foot traffic for it to raise money regularly.

3.  Keep the tray stocked with fresh candy/snacks.

Once you have placed the candy bar collection tray, maintain it by filling the tray with new candy, emptying the money box and cleaning up any debris caused by the tray. This should be done 2-3 times a week or more, depending on the location. If the location sells out within a day or so, consider a larger tray or more frequent servicing. Keep changing the variety of candy/snack mix, but always stock your best sellers. After the initial costs of building and stocking the tray, the cost of re-stocking should come out of the proceeds and still generate decent income for the  food pantry. If you can, have the tray blessed before placing it on location.  Have questions or other ideas?  Contact: