It took not one, but two large dollies to unload all of the food in Ginny Franzen’s trunk Thursday afternoon.

“Five of my friends chipped in and three of us went shopping yesterday. This is what we got,” Franzen said.

Franzen says the group of women from Saratoga Springs and Wilton took their time picking out the right items, since much of it will go to local children that need food.

What You Need To Know

  • Thursday marked the first day of a three-day food drive at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center

  • Mayor Meg Kelly says non-perishable items like canned goods, peanut butter, and feminine hygiene products are needed

  • The food drive continues from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday

“We had fun figuring out what kids would like and probably have not had in a while,” she said. “We ended up with everything from Rice Krispies Treats to taco kits to soup.”

Franzen was one of the first to show up at the city of Saratoga Springs three-day drive-up food drive at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center.

“Especially during this time, when so many people are having struggles and not working as much, we felt like this was the best thing we could do,” Franzen said.

The items will benefit both the Franklin Community Center and Mother Susan Anderson Shelter. Within the first 25 minutes, volunteers like Lindsey Connors filled six tables with donated goods.

“I just love Saratoga Springs,” said Connors, a community development planner for the city. “We have the best community. People are so generous with their time and money, and I’m overwhelmed.”

Mayor Meg Kelly, who was helping to unload items out of cars, says a host of items are needed to help families struggling during the pandemic.

“We’re looking for peanut butter, canned goods, feminine hygiene products, paper towels,” Kelly said. “I think things like that, which you can use every day and can stay in the pantry for a little while.”

For donors like Franzen, dropping off a bag or trunk full of food is their way of making sure everyone in their hometown is looked after during these hard times.

“It feels great. I really enjoy it,” Franzen said. “I was a teacher for 40 years and worked with a lot of kids, so it has kind of been my mission to give kids a boost.”

The food drive continues in the rear of the rec center from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday.