Rapid Refill Collecting Canned Goods for Local Pantry

Canned food drives are popping up all over Tampa Bay during the holiday season.

Locally, a Carrollwood company is doing its part to help out a food pantry.

Rapid Refill Ink, 10416 N. Dale Mabry Highway is supporting Heaven's Kitchen, a food pantry at 2707 W. Waters Avenue, by collecting canned food and dried goods during the month of December.

The national community service campaign by Rapid Refill is allowing local franchises like the one in Carrollwood to choose an organization to donate to, said Bob Giest, who runs the local store. Giest said he wanted to help a grassroots organization like Heaven's Kitchen, especially during the holiday season.

"It's a local food bank serving people in need with a hot meal or a food basket," he said. "So many people are having difficult times, and it's an easy way to give back to the community."

Those who donate will also receive a Rapid Refill coupon that will be good toward their next purchase, said Giest.

Rusty Hurley, vice president of Rapid Refill, said the company's initiative to partner with local organizations is called "Cartridges for a Cause," and included recent programs like

Hurley echoed Giest's sentiments about the importance of a food drive during tough economic times.

"We think it's very important this time of year in particular," he said. "Those resources (food) are drawn upon on most communities in a very heavy way, and a lot of food shelves help out nationally.

To donate, stop by Rapid Refill anytime between now and Dec. 31. To contact Heaven's Kitchen, call 813-935-4471.