An expansion of a popular program at Arc Thrift Stores will bring more opportunities for Colorado residents to do something good for others.

Starting next Monday, all of Colorado’s 38 retail Arc stores – including the four locations in Colorado Springs and one in Monument – will offer bins where shoppers can drop off donations of pantry staples, said Maggie Scivicque, vice president of marketing.

BOK Financial banking centers will also set up food-collection barrels and will accept financial contributions.

Another way to give a few bucks is to round up purchases at Safeway grocery stores from Feb. 25 through March 10.

In celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Arc Thrift Stores’ “Feed Colorado” campaign, which has focused on benefiting food pantries in metro Denver, the organization is expanding participation to all stores so that needy residents statewide can receive support, Scivicque said.

Donations of canned goods, peanut butter, rice, beans, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, snacks and other packaged items will go to Volunteers of America Colorado’s hunger and nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels and seven Veterans Supportive Services food banks, which serve hungry veterans, seniors and families across Colorado.

“We’re expanding the reach this year with our big push the last week in February and through the month of March,” Scivicque said. “Besides veterans, we’ve got kids, families and seniors affected by food insecurity, and our goal is to wipe it out statewide.”

Donated food can also be left at drop-off stations along with gently used household items, clothing, furniture and other treasures for resale.

Revenue from stores funds Arc Chapters, which provide advocacy and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Colorado Springs has two donation stations. For store and station locations, go to https://arcfeedcolorado.com/.

The organization’s program growth is in response to increasing demand for food assistance for low-income residents, Scivicque said.

Nearly 744,950 Coloradans, including 172,540 children and representing 13% of the state’s population, are defined by the national Feeding America network of food banks as food insecure, with problems with paying rent, utilities and healthcare costs identified as drivers.

Colorado Springs residents are strong donors of household goods that Arc Thrift Stores rely on to earn revenue to pay for programs, Scivicque said.

“Colorado Springs is one of our most generous donors,” she said. “We know people care about their community.”

Arc’s goal is to collect more than 65 tons of non-perishable food statewide this year, enough to supply 108,333 meals to people in need.

Since the pandemic, Arc has also become known for assisting with community relief efforts, Scivicque said.

“We’d like to be known as the largest food drive in the U.S.,” she said.