Friends,
I have been thinking lately about how much impact small actions can have. Several longtime contributors to the Food Pantry have died recently. They inspired me so much. One made New Year’s resolutions with his wife to give a can of food to the Food Pantry for every day of the year, showing up monthly with 28, 30, 31 cans of food (thank you, Fred). Another, a cashier at Rite Aid, put aside money every month and then would visit the Food Pantry each December with a check (thank you, Lorraine). Our Food Pantry has made a difference for over four decades because of the gifts and kindness and small actions of so many, past and present.
Every box, every can, every dollar, every action matters.
This message came through again as I was leaving the Health Department last week. We provide them with Immediate Response Bags to give to any client in need of food. Most of the bags are distributed through their programs to help those dealing with substance abuse. As I was leaving, the staff member remarked that these food bags help keep people coming back regularly. And we all know that is an important thing in the recovery process. Small bags of food are helping people fill their stomachs and get the additional help they need for health and a new start.
– John Heltzel
Past President, Food Pantry Board