By Chris Bavender

Zionsville shoppers may want to bring some boxes of pasta along with their spending money this month. Four downtown stores will offer discounts through Dec. 23 for donations of pasta and spices. The drive will benefit Second Helpings, an Indianapolis nonprofit.

“Second Helpings relies on food drives to bring in non-perishable items. The items our businesses collect will be used to create nutritious meals for the 80 social services agencies in central Indiana who serve needy people. Meals go to shelters, day cares, senior centers and after school programs,” said Steve Schwartz, owner of Ballerinas and Bruisers. “A friend and representative of Second Helpings asked if I would participate this season and have a pasta drive in our store. I saw the potential to make it more impactful and asked a couple of our neighboring businesses, who have supported our local fundraisers in the past, and they were glad to participate.”

In addition to Ballerinas and Bruisers, participating stores are Midwest Jewelers and Estate Buyers, Siro’s Chic Boutique and Rush on Main. With every donation of five or more boxes of dry pasta and/or spices, Ballerinas and Bruisers and Siro’s will offer 10 percent off purchases made that day, while Rush on Main will offer 10 percent off the total meal ticket.

“Second Helpings uses as much as 150 pounds of pasta in a single day, and a pasta drive is an easy and affordable way for everyone to help,” Schwartz said. “We are also collecting spices as they are expensive to purchase to those who are food insecure and struggling to buy food to begin with.”

Second Helpings accepts donations of perishable and overstocked foods to prepare meals for hungry kids and adults every day. The organization also teaches disadvantaged adults to cook through its Culinary Job Training program and prepares them for careers in the food service industry.

“We are hoping to collect as many boxes and containers of pasta and spices as possible this month. If we collect 150 pounds, we have provided Second Helpings enough supply to fulfill their daily consumption of pasta alone,” Schwartz said. “It’s about giving to our Hoosiers in need, engaging our supportive communities and showing our thanks to the customers who support our small businesses.”

All four locations will have donation boxes. Each also is donating items or gift certificates for a drawing Dec. 23 with every donation. Ballerinas and Bruisers will donate a $50 gift certificate, Siro’s will donate a $100 gift certificate, Rush on Main will donate a $50 gift certificate and Midwest Jewelers will donate a pair of diamond stud earrings valued at $700.