Plainfield businesses offer donation drop sites to help food pantries in need
Lindsay Doty
Multiple businesses in Plainfield are accepting donations to help the food pantries in Hendricks County during a time of need.
People can now drop off non-perishable items at participating businesses, making it more convenient to donate. The items will be picked up and distributed through the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition that supports 21 food pantry locations across the county.
Photo Illustration by Faith Toole
The food drive idea came from Larry Paynter, owner of The Coachman restaurant in Plainfield, who contacted the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce about helping out.
“One of my members called me and said look we need food, everybody is hoarding food and what can we do to help,” explains Plainfield Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO Brad DuBois, who quickly reached out to local businesses.
“It all happened pretty quickly. I had a really good response and more keep responding,” said DuBois.
Businesses like The Shops at Perry Crossing restaurants immediately jumped on board and more continue to join the list.
Coalition leaders say they are starting to notice donation stream shortages due to the COVID-19 situation.
Retail groceries aren’t donating extra food (because they are selling out) and churches that normally bring in donations haven’t had services.
With children being home from school and parents losing work hours and jobs, the pantries are anticipating an increase in demand. Pantry leaders say every donation helps.
“If every person who sees this could donate just a few items of non-perishable food from their own pantry, just think of how much food we could share with people in this county who are really hurting right now, ” said Shirley Larson, treasurer with the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition.
Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the following participating locations:
Meineke Car Care Center
2575 E. Main St. – 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield Friends Meeting/Church
105 S. East Street – Foyer open 9:00 a.m. – noon
The Pool Shop
3992 Clarks Creek Rd. – Current hours 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
The Coachman Restaurant- Lounge
6112 Cambridge Way – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Shops at Perry Crossing Restaurants
2499 Perry Crossing Way
Bru Burger – 11:00 – 8:00 p.m
Stone Creek – 11:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Spring Hill Suites
6014 Gateway Dr.
The above hours posted are current but please check individual Facebook page postings for updates.