Update on the food pantry

To the Editor,

   Due to some health concerns, I needed to step down from the leadership position of the Monticello Food Pantry. My experience of almost 10 years has been very rewarding. I've seen how grateful folks are when their need for food and hygiene products have been met.

   The food pantry has a very capable team who have assumed various responsibilities: Anne Strittmatter, leadership position; Carol Dirks and Courtney Hinrichs, inventory management; Tammy Leibold and Jayne Iben, in-takes on Mondays and Fridays and training new helpers; Terry Mayo, Ken Lyons, Nick Strittmater, Tammy and Jayne, assisting Carol with unloading deliveries and restocking shelves; Tony Amsler, Treva Guyer, Chris and Kelly Herren and Anne as coaches, guiding and supporting our church volunteers; Susan Gilchrist, thank you notes for donations; Pastors Frank Shepherd and Bill Warhover, MMA liason; and many others who fill in as subs when needed.

   I would like to offer grateful thanks to our generous Monticello community for supporting the food pantry, especially during the holidays. We've been blessed to receive donations from:

   • FFA – colorful fresh fruit baskets

   • Pork and Beef Producers, meats and certificates

   • Food drives from schools and churches

   • Businesses, clubs/organizations, food drives

   • Individuals and families, food boxes and hygiene products

   • Local egg donations, and seasonal garden produce

   • Stephanie Isaac, her home-grown squash

   • Zach Long, new and improved pantry door lock

   • Dean Oswald, converted broken ceiling light to LED

   • Local grocery stores, weekly donations

   • Car show donations from attendees

   I am also grateful for the church volunteers who sign up to serve at the pantry on their church's designated month. It is so helpful when they arrive 15 minutes early to meet their coach who then has time to acquaint them with the current inventory and procedures.

Marilyn Schneiderman

Monticello, Iowa