Area residents are asked to help fill an ambulance with non-perishable items 

The West Shore Healthcare Foundation is sponsoring a food drive from Monday, Dec. 14, through Friday, Dec. 18, to benefit the Salvation Army's food pantry. 

A retired ambulance with an estimated 300 cubic feet of space has been parked in the hospital's main lot waiting for donations. The West Shore Medical Center Auxiliary also has a receptacle in the hospital's main lobby for food items. 

West Shore Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Brooke Stevens said the donated items can be canned goods, boxed meals, cereal, oatmeal, raisins or other dried fruit, crackers, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, jelly, coffee and tea, rice, beans, and baking mixes. 

"We see this as a great opportunity to assist the Salvation Army with their outreach this holiday season," Stevens said. "Our goal is to completely fill up the ambulance." 

For more information, call the West Shore Healthcare Foundation at (231) 398-1270.