Casinos across the country are holding food drives and promotions in November and December to restock food pantries to help families and government employees affected by the federal government shutdown.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Route 66 Casino Hotel and Dancing Eagle Casino will host a community food drive on November 17-18. Guests who donate five cans of unexpired food or dry goods will receive $10 in free slot play. Laguna Development team members are also encouraged to contribute canned food or dry goods.
“November is a time to come together and give thanks, especially when our neighbors are feeling the strain of a government shutdown,” Laguna Development President and CEO Maxine Velasquez said in a statement. “With the help of our partners at Shamrock Foods, Pepsi, and PNM, we’re providing practical support — hot meals for kids and families, value for government workers, and a community-wide effort to fill our food pantries. Our goal is simple: make it easier for families to get through the next few weeks.”
Starting next week, the Laguna Burger Food Truck will provide free meals for children and families on the Pueblo of Laguna and at PBJ Family Services locations. Route 66 Casino Hotel will offer a buy one, get one free buffet to all government employees every Friday in November and December.
Other casinos offering food assistance:
Firelake Casino Entertainment Center Casino in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is offering $10 in free play for players who bring in a canned good or nonperishable food item for its food drive.
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel in Towaoc, Colorado, is hosting the Mountain of Giving food drive that runs through November 30. For each item of non-perishable food, donors will receive a ticket for a $500 cash drawing to be held at 7 p.m. November 30.
North Star Mohican Casino Resort in Bowler, Wisconsin, is holding its Purse for the Pantry food drive Thursday between November 6-30, culminating with the Stuffing your Wallet drawing. The casino’s Star Club members who donate two non-perishable non-expired food items will receive one free entry into for the drawing. Entries are limited to one per each Thursday.
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewas Indians Health Division Food Drive runs through November 25. Donations can be dropped off at any Sault Tribe Health Center lobby, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The tribe, which operates Kewadin Casinos, accept donations of non-perishable food in jars, cans, and sealed packages. Donations will be distributed to local food banks.
Kiowa Casino & Hotel in Devol, Oklahoma, is hosting its Cash for Food drive through November 8. Donations of $10 in cash will get $15-$500 in free play, to provide food to families in need this holiday season.
Comanche Cache Casino in Cache Oklahoma, is accepting donations of non-perishable, non-expired food items in exchange for $50 in Comanche Credit. Offer is redeemable once per member, per day, per property, Tuesdays through Thursdays, November 4-20.
Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, is hosting a food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Southern Arizona through November 17. Donations of non-perishable food items are accepted.
If your casino is hosting a food drive, please email CDC Gaming at press@cdcgaming.com to be listed.
