SPENCER — Helping the local community tackle the issue of hunger, the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures will be conducting its second annual Kids “CAN” Make a Difference Food Drive.

During the event, which is scheduled for Jan. 18-20, donations of canned goods or other nonperishable food items can be brought to the museum, 108 4th St., Spencer during its normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those dates.

In sharing how the food drive got its start, Beth Nance, founder and executive director of the museum, said they “realized the need for our community to come together to support the food bank, and so we thought this was an awesome opportunity for children to participate.”

Giving back to the community is something they try to do on a continuous basis, Nance noted, and they are likewise “trying to inspire children to be good stewards of our community. So this just seemed like a good fit.”

According to the museum website, children 14 and younger, who bring three or more food items, can be admitted to the museum free of charge during the food drive.

“It’s something easy that they can do and doesn’t take a lot of effort or a lot of money, but it impacts and gives back in a large way,” Nance added.

All of the items collected during the event will be donated to the Rowan Helping Ministries on Long Street in Salisbury.

For a list of their most needed food pantry items, visit the ministry’s website at rowanhelpingministries.org/donate/ and click on Wish List and see the pantry items provided.

Many people give during the holiday season, Nance commented, therefore, this particular date was selected to hold the annual event because they “just want people to be conscientious that the need is year round. We thought this would be a great time for children to feel grateful that they received Christmas gifts and be able to give back and impact their community in a thoughtful way.”

Also at the museum

Another program that the local museum offers is entitled Museums for All.

Through this program, those who receive food assistance (SNAP benefits), can gain free admission to more than 1,200 museums throughout the United States.

The N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures is included in this list, and is the only museum in Rowan County participating in this program.

It was noted by museum administrator Saskia Casanova, by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID, up to four people can enter the museum for free. Anyone extra will be $1.

“This program is aimed to increase accessibility to the museum and allow everyone to participate in our mission of preserving, conserving and educating the public about dolls, toys and miniatures,” she concluded.