‘Guns N’ Hoses’ Delivers Much-Needed Food, Donations to Crystal Food Shelf

A friendly game of hockey over the weekend brought a flurry of donations to a Crystal food shelf.

The Crystal and New Hope police departments faced off against the West Metro Fire-Rescue District in the “Guns N’ Hoses” hockey game on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Rather than charge an entrance fee, attendees were asked to bring food donations for NEAR Food Shelf, located at 5029 W. Broadway.

During the event, they collected nearly 300 pounds of food and $539.

Thea Bruley, director of NEAR Food Shelf, said all donations help feed the community.

“We are serving approximately 450 households a month, and then that equates to 50,000 pounds of food that’s going out the door,” she said. “So it’s, you know, maybe a day’s worth, but it certainly helps to make the food go further.”

The Crystal and New Hope police departments faced off against the West Metro Fire Department in the “Guns N’ Hoses” hockey game on Sunday, Aug. 25.

The event was also intended to bring awareness of food insecurity to the community.

“Most people think about donating to a food shelf during the holidays, which is awesome and wonderful,” Bruley said. “But then there are times like the summer, when donations are down and [the community needs food.] So we really appreciate those events.”

The food shelf also needs donations of any staple foods thorough the summer.

Crystal | New Hope