The season of giving is on its way and the Starke County Food Pantry is once again receiving a decent amount of donations, but Community Services of Starke County Director Joan Haugh emphasized that their other programs are in need of help as well.
“People are so generous. They give to our food pantry, but they kinda forget we have these other needs too. In order for us to continue, we have to raise those dollars. I don’t know what we’d do without the generosity of individuals and agencies and businesses, and I can say the township trustees too; city of Knox, the county commissioners, they give us funds too which helps support our programs,” said Haugh.
The organization is staying busy, however, as they have a number of programs and events planned in the upcoming months. Haugh explained that the Energy Assistance Program kicks off on Nov. 5, and they’ve already sent out notifications to those who signed up for the assistance last year. On top of that, Haugh said the Hensler’s/WKVI Pumpkin Drop is quickly approaching with goods and funds to be donated to the pantry.
The generosity doesn’t stop at just monetary and food donations, however, as Haugh explained Lowe’s in Plymouth donated ceramic tile to replace the tile at the Knox Senior Center, and employees took the time to install it free of charge. Ober Arbor Gleaners Club donated $2000 to the organization for a new air conditioning unit as well as new carpeting for the North Judson Senior Center.
Unfortunately, the organization is suffering from funding cuts. Haugh said that next year, transportation funds will be cut by 25 percent, and the organization is still limping from cuts in 2006 and 2009 to their home-delivered meals and homemaker programs.
