Cute Baby Contest is one way to help
Local food banks in need of donations
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Hurricane Katrina left its mark and is being felt locally in a way most people wouldn't think of. Organizers of local food banks say the impact is felt here as people tighten the reins a little more and are giving less.

According to Carl Moore, who heads up the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry at Osgood, the "need is greater than ever, and the cash reserves are all gone."

" It's real low right now, I know the donations will come through, but it's slow," Moore told The Versailles Republican this week. He said donations are down and that is partly due to the number of national disasters people have been so generous to give to. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing to give on a national level, but it does have an impact here at home," he noted.

Moore also is concerned with the predictions of winter heating bills escalating and gas prices making it so people have to choose between buying gas or food.

Moore said the number of families they help averages between 130 and 150 households each month representing nearly 400 people total. He said that number was up this month and their cash reserves have been depleted. "We distribute over $3,500 each month in purchased and donated food," Moore said.

The Fishes and Loaves Community Food Pantry serves the communities of both the Jac-Cen-Del and South Ripley school districts. The pantry has been providing assistance to this area for over 13 years and is funded only by the donations of individuals, churches, and businesses in the community according to Moore.

Other food pantries in the area include one at Sunman and Milan. Rev. Harris Long, who works with the Milan pantry said he agreed with Moore that donations have been down.

Bill Warren, who heads up the Trustees Free Food Store in Osgood, agreed that donations are slow and the need has gone up. Last month the free store served 198 families, the largest number yet, according to Warren.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Residents are left asking what can be done to help out locally. The ALCO Store in Versailles is participating in the Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. 20th Annual Cute Baby Contest event. Proceeds will go to the Fishes and Loaves Community Food Pantry.

The contest will run through the month of October and entries are being accepted now. Parents should bring in a picture of their child and a collection jar. One vote is counted for each penny donated. The winner will receive prizes provided by ALCO. Even if you don't have someone to enter in the contest, you can help out by casing your vote and helping the food pantry at the same time.

Last year the Cute Baby Contest event provided over $500 for the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. "We really appreciate the ALCO Store holding this event and hope it is well supported," Moore noted.

SEND DONATIONS DIRECTLY

You can send donations or contact area food pantries.

¥ Fishes and Loaves Community Food Pantry, 245 S. Walnut Street, Osgood, 47037 - 689-4328.

¥ Milan Food Pantry, 205 W. Carr Street, Milan, 47031 - 654-3642.

¥ Sunman Area Food Pantry, St. John's, Penntown, (Saturdays from 9-11), Sandy Wagner, 623-2159.

¥ Ripley County Trustees Food Store: Fairgrounds Park, Osgood, 689-4427.

Contact any of the food pantries and they will be able to tell you more of their specific needs. Right now, any cash donations are welcome, along with food items.