by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Residents donated 68 bags of food to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf during the fourth annual areawide drive Sept. 13.
Coordinator Ann Scherer said the shelves are low on supplies and she was grateful to see donations coming in.
Volunteers accepted donations, offering beverages and donuts, and stocking the shelves.
Ron and Rosanne Eiynck’s four granddaughters accompanied them to the food shelf to make their donations. Rosanne Eiynck said this was the first time they were home on the weekend of the citywide collection.
“We will be sure to make it next year,” she said. “The girls had a good time and loved the donuts and the juice and of course the trip to the park on the way home.”
Several College of St. Benedict students volunteered during the drive through the campus ministry program.
Junior Jenna Bautch from Luxemburg said she was enjoying volunteering. Bautch is studying nutrition and dietetics.
“It is easy to help out and I am happy to do so,” Bautch said.
Junior Sarah Roehl from Willmar said they were scheduled to finish their volunteer shift at 10:30 a.m., but they were having so much fun helping that they decided to stay longer. Roehl is studying pre-physical therapy at the college.
“It’s been fun working here,” Roehl said. “We have filled so many shelves with the items donated.”
“We greatly appreciate all the help from the St. Joseph community to the food shelf,” Scherer said. “We would not be able to stay open otherwise. I would like to give everybody a pat on the back and say thank you.”
She said some of the food shelf’s most needed items include products such as chicken-noodle soup, tomato soup, peanut butter and canned fruits.
The food shelf, located at 25 1st Ave. NW, serves more than 80 St. Joseph city and township families each month.
Food or monetary donations are accepted. Products needed include nonperishable food items in undamaged containers, paper products, personal-care items and cleaning products. The food shelf cannot accept home-canned foods, open packages or expired items.
Many area organizations are involved in the annual drive, including area churches, colleges, banks, service groups, the St. Joseph Newsleader and others.
photo by Cori Hilsgen
College of St. Benedict volunteer students Sarah Roehl (left) and Jenna Bautch help stock shelves with items donated during the Community Food Shelf Drive on Sept. 13.
contributed photo
Rosanne and Ron Eiynck’s four granddaughters (left to right) Lizzy Eiynck, 9, Camryn Eiynck, 5, Adelyn Eiynck, 2, (in stroller) and Elleah Eiynck, 4, accompany the couple to make donations to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf during the citywide drive.
