02/12/2026
From our friends at the BHMAC:
NEWS RELEASE:
Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition and Sentinel Federal Credit Union Partner to Support Ellsworth Community Food Pantry
The Quality-of-Life Committee of the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition (BHMAC) and Sentinel Federal Credit Union (SFCU) are proud to partner to support the Ellsworth Community Food Pantry, an essential resource serving military members and families at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
During the 2025 federal furlough, organizer Allison Koecher recognized a need to provide food resources to help families stretch their budgets. Although the government opened again, the need for extra food and household products didn’t go away.
The Ellsworth Community Food Pantry continues to meet an ongoing need. The pantry operates out of the Ellsworth Chapel Activity Center, serving families Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
To help keep pantry shelves stocked, SFCU is hosting donation bins at three convenient locations.
Community members are encouraged to drop donations Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at any of the following location lobbies:
· Ellsworth Air Force Base, 2723 Lemay Blvd. Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
· Box Elder, 411 N. Ellsworth Box Elder, SD 57719
· Rapid City, 4011 Triple Crown Drive, Rapid City, SD 57701
Requested items include non-perishable food, baby supplies, hygiene products, cleaning and paper goods, and pet food. Examples include canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice, peanut butter, diapers and wipes, shampoo and toothpaste, laundry detergent, paper towels, and pet food.
“Although the federal furlough has ended, the need for food and household support has not,” said Cheryl Chapman, Chair of the Quality-of-Life Committee for the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition. “This partnership helps ensure the Ellsworth Community Food Pantry can continue serving families who rely on it.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting military families and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Beth Hottel, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Sentinel Federal Credit Union. “Something as simple as dropping off a few items can make a meaningful difference for families right here at home.”
The Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition’s Quality of Life Committee works to enhance the well-being of service members and their families throughout the region. This collaboration with Sentinel Federal Credit Union provides an easy, accessible way for the broader community to get involved and give back.
For updates on donation needs and availability, follow Sentinel Federal Credit Union, Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition, and Ellsworth Families on social media.
Please consider donating any of the following items:
· nonperishable items: canned fruit, vegetables, and meat; pasta/pasta sauce; rice; instant potatoes; condiments (PB, jelly, ketchup, mustard, dressings, syrup); snacks (crackers, cookies); baking items (sugar, flour, oil, muffin mixes, cake mixes); cereal; oatmeal; waffle/pancake mixes
· baby items: formula, baby rice cereal, baby food, veggie/fruit pouches, baby soap/lotion, diapers, wipes
· hygiene items: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, ChapStick, toothpaste/toothbrushes, female pads
· cleaning/paper products: TP, paper towel, Kleenex, toilet bowl cleaner, Windex, laundry detergent
· pet items: pet food (dry and wet), treats, toys
