Wanted: Canned Soup, Frozen Turkeys, Supermarket Gift Cards

This is a list of some of the largest pantries and soup kitchens in Monmouth. But there are many more faith-based organizations that will be grateful for your contributions. Feel free to add a comment at the end of this article about your favorite one. 


Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean is seeking turkeys, fresh or frozen; turkey breasts are preferred. They also need Thanksgiving side dishes, such as stuffing mixes, gravy, potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned fruit. Also, general items like soups, cereal, canned meals such as beef stew, ravioli and pasta. Find a local drop-off site in Monmouth County.

RAINE Foundation: Through Nov. 22, the Bayshore-based charity is collecting canned items through schools, drop-off locations. They especially welcome $40 supermarket gift cards. 

Bayshore Lunch: The Keyport-based soup kitchen and pantry needs pasta sauce, canned potatoes, coffee, tea, sugar, cold drink mix, canned vegetables, paper plates, paper hot cups, napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper. Read how to donate here. 

Lunch Break: "We always need diapers...all sizes. And toiletries...soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, brushes, every thing you need to just BE," the Red Bank based charity says on its Facebook page. Also, coats, jackets, sweaters, blankets, hats and gloves through Jan. 2. A wish list of more items here.

Feed All God's Children: The downtown Freehold soup kitchen needs toilet papers, paper towels and tissues. For the holidays, they would appreciate 14-20 lb frozen turkeys, and condiments like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and canned sweet potatoes. When it comes to canned donations, the bigger the can, the better, they say.

Freehold Area Open Door Pantry: At this moment, the Throckmorton Street pantry is low on canned fruits (pineapple peaches, pears, fruit cocktail) beef stew, soups (all kinds), spaghetti sauce and coffee, tea and cocoa. See a list of other items they need. Frozen turkeys can be dropped off on Sunday, Nov. 24th from 12-5 p.m. 

Salvation Army of Red Bank: "The number one thing we're low on is soup -- there's not a single can left," said Jesabel Cruz, the office manager, who adds that any size or variety will do. The Red Bank-based charity is also low on canned hams and canned vegetables. They need pancake mix and syrup, as well as hot oatmeal or cold ready-to-eat cereals. Their Facebook page has updates.

Reformation Community Food Pantry:  The Long Branch pantry is also wishing for soup donations, of which they have none. Also, canned vegetables, juice, tuna fish and pasta. More about them here.