Back-to-School Pantry Donations
It’s that time of year – Back-to-School Season is in full swing! That means lots of firsts: first day of classes, first school lunches, first day meeting a best friend – and so much more! After the final bell rings, many students and parents swing by the public library – where there’s fun things to see, do, and learn!
Many students and their families also rely on support from the Library’s two community pantries for afterschool snacks and basic supplies to stock their pantry for dinnertime.
And we need YOUR help to keep them stocked with donations!
These pantries are part of the library’s ongoing effort to support local families and provide vital resources to our community, upholding our Library Core Values of Community, Equal Access, and Service. You can donate food, beverages, or funds to go towards the Community Pantry – see below to learn more about this awesome resource! (Or share our Food Pantry webpage here!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are the Pantries?
The two pantries are located inside the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library at 315 W Oak Ave in Jonesboro, AR 72401. The first pantry is located at the Security Desk, right across from the Main Circulation Desk, and the second pantry is in the TeenHub Area in front of the Round Room, right outside of the Children’s Library.
Donations can be brought to the Main Circulation Desk during regular service hours.
How Do I Get Materials from the Community Pantry?
Simply visit one of the pantries at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library – a library staff member will assist you in opening the pantry and retrieving items.
There is no age restriction or ID requirement to qualify to receive materials from the Community Pantries. Items are available to all visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
I Want to Donate. What Donations Are Accepted?
CCJPL can accept donated funds or sealed, nonperishable food donations in good condition. Items must be in unopened containers and within their expiration date.
Here are Several Examples of Accepted Food Donations:
- Bottled, Boxed, or Canned Beverages (Water, Juice, Sports Drinks)
- Canned Goods (Canned Chicken, Tuna, Soup, Chili, Pasta, Vegetables, Fruit, etc.)
- Dry Goods (Boxed or Bagged Pasta, Rice, Beans, Oatmeal, etc)
- Individually-Packaged Snacks (Granola Bars, Crackers, Fruit Snacks, Pretzels, Trail Mix, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Pop Tarts, Cereal Cups, etc.)
- Jarred Foods (Peanut Butter, Sun Butter, Jam, Pasta Sauce, etc.)
- Shelf-Stable Microwavable Meals in “Cups” (Mac and Cheese Cups, Soup Cups, Mashed Potato Cups, Instant Noodle Cups, etc.)
- Shelf-Stable Baby Food and Formula
CCJPL can also accept donations of Hygiene Products, including:
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, & Dental Floss
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Lotion & Face Wash
- Tampons
- Menstrual & Urinary Pads
- Diapers & Baby Wipes
Helpful Tips for Donations:
- Try to prioritize canned goods with a pull-tab-to-open top for best accessibility!
- Plastic Jars and Bottles are preferred over glass where possible!
Are there any Donations CCJPL can’t accept?
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Perishable Foods (ie. No Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Baked Goods, Homemade Food, etc.)
- Foods that Would Require Refrigeration or Freezing (ie. No Milk, Raw Meat, Eggs, etc.)
- Items that Could Otherwise Pose a Hazard (ie. No Expired, Unsealed, or Opened Food, No Food In Dented, Swollen, or Soiled Packaging, No Medicine or Drugs, etc.)