By Staff
I received this email/letter to the editor this week from the Rev. Jeff Reese of Hope United Methodist Church in Edwardsburg.
To the editor:
The Edwardsburg Emergency Fund Pancake Breakfast was a time of good food, good friendship and it raised over $2,300 to be used for assistance to families for utilities, food, emergency gas, and emergency prescriptions.
Each year we like to say thank you to all who volunteer throughout the year as well as to give thanks the Lion's Club, Mayhew Funeral Home, Addison Tire, Colonial Acres, and the Four Square Restaurant for their faithful financial support in this effort.
It takes an army of volunteers, the cooperation and efforts of our school system, the Marathon station, and Harding's Friendly Market in our town and their employees to keep this community program running.
The economic climate of our times is making things tough on more and more of our families. Your efforts will help us offer services throughout the winter months. Again thank you to one and all!
Signed:
Jeff Reese – Hope United Methodist Church
Scott Scheel – Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church
Father Joe McCormack – Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
John Lohr – Edwardsburg Church of God
This letter got me thinking about how this is going to be an extremely hard winter for many in our community.
I am already struggling with my new adjusted monthly propane cost, as heating bills are expected to soar.
Food costs are already high, though this week I spend some time clipping coupons, checked our circulars (found in The Leader) for sales and matched items we use and ended up saving $15.
Though gasoline prices dropped somewhat this week, I don't expect them to keep going down, especially after the election.
Which brings me back to how are people going to cope this winter, pay their higher bills, when many have not gotten raises and many others have actually been laid off and lost their jobs.
Though this past pancake breakfast has helped bring the Edwardsburg emergency fund back up, there are still two times they make food baskets for those in need, at thanksgiving and Christmas. If the food supply is depleted, they won't be able to serve the increased numbers which are expected.
Other food banks are also hurting. Helping Hands of Cass County and the Salvation Army, to name two others, will also be looking to be able to help those in need.
Maybe we could think about that extra cup of coffee we buy, or in my case that sweet tea I wish McDonald's had never added to their menu.
Occasionally we could forego a special treat and earmark that dollar or two to donate to a food bank in our community.
Some events, like the St. Mary's bazaar in Niles, coming on Saturday, Nov. 8, are asking for a non-perishable food item as admission. The craft show and bake sale will support the church's Christian Service Center.
What a great idea.
Now, more than ever, we need to look to helping others who are hurting in this poor economy.
Think about what you could share next time you see a bin or basket labeled for the food bank.