HERALD FUNDRAISER FOR FOOD PANTRY TOPS $2000 - Record Numbers Seeking Food

(12/24/2010)
It has been a record year in Calhoun County for people to help one another through tough times, and some of that help has come from folks outside the state.

November's Hur Herald fundraiser for Calhoun's Community Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church in Grantsville, reached $2110, according to long-time pantry manager Pete Trippett.

Trippett, says "The entire operation depends on community support, and we're very grateful to those who give us a boost."

He said a Florida resident sent $500 to help the community.

A large number of churches, citizens, and school kids have led efforts to collect food for the pantry.

"We've been averaging about 10 families a day coming to the pantry," Trippett said, the numbers continue to increase as the county is feeling the impact of the recession.

He said as the economy continues to falter and unemployment rolls increase, the face of hunger is changing.

"We're seeing lots of folks who have never been in the situation before." The pantry fills the gaps, particularly for the working poor and the unemployed.

"We don't put a bunch of strings or requirements on who gets the food," Trippett said, who has been issuing items since 1992.

"We trust that people will not abuse the help the community is providing ... Most people pull together to help one another," he said.

Calhoun's Community Food Pantry is operated by the First Baptist Church in Grantsville, and is supported by about 20 county churches and 20 county groups.

For questions, to donate food items, or requests for food, call Pete Trippett at 304-354-7966.