Food pantry sees great support from the community

To the Editor,

     As the new minister at Peace United Church of Christ, I wanted to get involved in the community. Thanks to the Monticello Ministerial Association, I am the liaison to the Monticello Food Pantry.

     Last fall, as I looked at the increase of individuals and households served, I was worried about the upcoming holidays of 2021. As you might recall, the Monticello Express ran a story about my concerns. I feel so blessed that our community answered the call to help one another. There was an immediate increase in dollar donations to sustain the expenses of the holiday season, including the purchase of grocery gift cards, Thanksgiving turkeys, and Christmas hams for our neighbors in need.

     The annual Scouting for Food campaign had an increase from 2020 in donations of canned food and hygiene products. The FFA gave fruit baskets. MinnTex donated cases of fruit. The Monticello High School Student Council held a food drive with hundreds of nonperishable food and hygiene items donated by the high school students. Other Monticello businesses and organizations regularly help with the food pantry needs.

     Many volunteers help in the smooth operation of running the food pantry. They unload food deliveries, organize the stock shelves, and work the two-hour shifts when the food pantry is open.

     On behalf of the steering committee, thank you to the entire community. There is a continuing need and the work is never done. If you have a desire to help with your time, talent, or treasure, please call me at 563-258-3740. We ask if you are interested in working at the food pantry that you have the ability to lift and carry heavy boxes.

Monticello Food Pantry

Steering Committee:

Pastor Frank Shepherd, Jr.

Susan Gilchrist

Kevin Schmidt

Anne Strittmatter

Marilyn Schneiderman