by Mary Rupert
People in the Argentine community of Kansas City, Kan., are the most generous neighborhood in the metro area.
That’s the conclusion that can be drawn from the Save-a-Lot food donation drive going on at the Argentine store at 2100 Metropolitan Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Of all the Save-a-Lot stores in Greater Kansas City, the Argentine store’s customers have donated the most food to helping other people this holiday season.
Jeff Turnbough, Save-a-Lot district manager, said customers at the Argentine store already have donated more than 250 bags of groceries to the needy.
That was before today’s $200 donation from the Argentine Neighborhood Development Association, which will bring the donation to more than 300 grocery bags. That represents from $4,000 to $5,000 in groceries to be donated to needy families in the Argentine area.
“The people in the Argentine area are very, very generous,” he said. He also said staff at the store asked customers for the $6.50 donations.
In the grocery bags are such items as potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and corn – items that would help make a holiday meal.
The drive has already met its goal, and now the goal is being raised to 700 bags of groceries, Turnbough said. The drive lasts through Jan. 1.
He added the Argentine store also is the No. 1 Save-a-Lot store in the metro area for sales among the 12 stores.
Ann Murguia, executive director of ANDA, said this year ANDA is a partner with Save-a-Lot to distribute the food. She said ANDA staff will be asking the Argentine schools for help in getting the food to local families.
She said ANDA was contributing $200 to the effort because it wants to be a good partner with the program. She added she was especially pleased that all the donations at this store will go to persons in the Argentine area.
“I’m so proud of the response we’ve received,” said Jessica Wilson, store manager. “It amazes me. It’s been a hit.”
Candy Mills, an area resident, donated a bag of groceries today. She talked about the needs in the community for food and heat.
“It makes me feel good to help the people in this community,” she said.