Through Betsy’s Cupboard, our emergency food and supply pantry, The Gathering Place provides over 600 food and toiletry bags each month for women, children, and transgender individuals who otherwise might not have enough food or basic supplies. During the summer months, our cupboard supplies often run low. To learn more about Betsy’s Cupboard, or if you are interested in sponsoring or organizing a food or supply drive, please contact Justine Zollo at 303-996-9034.

A quick note about food donations: In an effort to support the health of those we serve at The Gathering Place, we prefer organic, low-sodium and low-fat food item donations whenever possible. According to the Colorado Health Foundation, two out of three Coloradoans will be obese by 2017 and will suffer from obesity related diseases. The likelihood that an individual will experience obesity triples when their family income is less than $25,000 a year.

Non-Perishable Food

• Peanut butter
• Soups and stews*
• Coffee, tea, cider packets, or cocoa packets
• Brown rice
• Beans, canned or dry
• Whole wheat pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Milk, powdered or canned
• Canned albacore tuna, chicken breast, or salmon*
• Canned fruits in 100% juice or in its own juice*
• Canned vegetables
• Make-a-meal items (Hamburger or Tuna Helper)*
• Frozen entrees
• Beans and rice combos
• Snack items (e.g. tuna and cracker packs, crackers, nuts)*
• Granola bars*
• Oatmeal or other whole grain hot cereals
• Whole grain cold cereal
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• 100% bottled juice
• Bottled water
• Gatorade
• Vegetarian products
• Microwavable items
• Fresh vegetables and fruit that do not have to be refrigerated (e.g. apples, oranges, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, onions, carrots, green beans)

Personal Supplies

• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Tampons/pads*
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Razors*
• Hair care products
• Denture Polygrip/Efferdent*
• Cosmetics for all skin colors
• New socks and underwear for women and children
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Dryer sheets
• Dish soap

Baby Items

• Baby powder, lotion, shampoo and bath wash
• Diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6 and Pull-Ups)
• Baby wipes
• Sippy cups
• Strollers
• Children’s vitamins
• Pedialyte

Other

• Tissues/Kleenex
• Toilet paper
• King Soopers/Safeway gift cards
• Small can openers
• Computer disks/flash drives
• Craft store certificates
• Gift cards for children’s birthday gifts
• RTD bus ticket books

*These are high-demand items.