Food pantries in desperate need
Published 6:11 pm Thursday, July 31, 2008
By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Members of the Cass County Chapter of the Retired School Personnel (MARSP) have addressed the current economic trend by giving their support to the food pantries in Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, and Cassopolis.
Each of the agencies has received $100 checks this month and will be given additional checks in November, March, and May.
In accepting the check from Carol Senger, Secretary of the MARSP Chapter, Mary Tompi, coordinator of Helping Hands of Cass County said that food supplies are at an all time low and the donation is gratefully accepted.
Tompi also said that other supplies, such as cleaning, paper products, baby supplies, health, and sanitary supplies are currently needed. Monetary donations or any supplies will be accepted. She may be contacted at 445-8104.
The president of the Marcellus Area Assistance Program, Sue Stickle said that the program supplies food only for needy families in the Marcellus area and the donation is a welcome gift. Although they get assistance from the FEMA program, that source has been cut every year, and community help is needed.
Stickle said that area farmers give produce from their gardens, and sometimes have beef or pork processed and give for distribution from their agency. For information, call (269) 646.9425.
The food pantry at First Christian Church in Dowagiac received their check from Ann Biek, Treasurer of the MARSP Chapter.
As with the other agencies, the food pantry is always in need of supplies for those in need. Contact the church at 782-6220.
Cass County MARSP President JoAnn Boepple recently presented the donation from the retired school personnel's check to the Edwardsburg Food Pantry housed at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church to the Rev. Joe McCormick, pastor.
Volunteers at the pantry emphasized that the need this year is greater than ever with many new families finding it difficult to provide not only food, but other household items and supplies. Monetary and other donations are welcome. Contact the Catholic Church at 699-5870 or the Rev. Jeff Reese at Hope United Methodist Church at 269.663.5321 for more information.
Area residents are encouraged to contact these agencies to donate to the very present need for assistance to those who have lost employment and are finding it difficult to maintain families at this time.
Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Please remember to thank the staff and coordinators at these facilities.