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UNO, Salvation Army Partner to Stock Food Pantries

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UNO students will spend one week living outside in cardboard boxes in order to raise awareness of homelessness in Omaha and collect donations

OMAHA - The Salvation Army is partnering with University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for Just Can It!, a food drive and homelessness awareness event to benefit The Salvation Army food pantry.

The 12th annual Just Can It! is April 6-10 at Crossroads Mall. UNO students will sleep outdoors in cardboard homes and accept donations of money and non-perishable food throughout the week.

The kick-off for the week-long event is Monday, April 6, at noon at Crossroads Mall. Expected at the rally are UNO Vice Chancellor Bill Conley, Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen, Battalion Chief Tim McCaw and members of the Omaha Fire Department, UNO students, Montez with KISS 96.1 FM and Salvation Army leadership.

In support of Just Can It!, Omaha Fire Department neighborhood stations will accept donations of non-perishable food during Just Can It! and year round. Tenaska is hosting barrels in support of the UNO drive.

Local Baker’s stores will also be collecting items on March 27-29 and April 3-5 at 505 N. 155th Plz., 13250 W Maple Rd, 12025 W. Center Rd, 888 S. Saddle Creek Rd in Omaha and 3614 Twin Creek Dr. in Bellevue.

Last year, the Just Can It! drive collected more than 34,500 food items. This year the goal is to collect 40,000 food items.

The purpose of Just Can It! is to boost The Salvation Army’s supply of food to its food pantry and to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless.

“Just Can It! provides assistance to those who need it the most and help people struggling to support themselves and their families. It’s humbling to see so many people come together in our local community for such a great cause,” said David Familetti, UNO student chairman for Just Can It!.

Items on the wish list include: canned stews and soups, cereal, canned vegetables, boxed mixes, canned meat, canned beans and tomato products, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed dinners, and boxed or bagged rice products.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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