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Buckets for Hunger matches donations:
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| By: Louise A. Driver, Chetek |
November 10, 2009 |
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I would like to take a minute and tell you a little bit about who is using the Chetek Food Shelf. Our year runs from Sept. 30, 2008, to Oct. 1, 2009. At the Chetek Food Shelf, we feed people from New Auburn and Chetek. This is done to keep people from traveling to other food shelves as other towns have their own.
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This year we fed 4,987 people from these addresses, up from 4,269 the year before. This included 3,275 adults and 1,712 children. Last year we gave out 85,233 pounds of food. This year we gave out 139,449 pounds. We get our food from church donations, organizations in the area, individuals, a government-run program, the bags for sale at Kirkwood's, as well as purchasing food from Feed My People in Eau Claire.
People are having to use our food shelf more, as last year only 10 percent had to use it either 10, 11 or 12 times a year. This year it is 21 percent of our families. People coming about every other month are staying equal with last year with about 20 percent.
We limit the people to coming every 30 days unless there are special circumstances.
Along with food, we try to give out personal care items. We also gave out produce this year from local gardens and are happy to report that it was a huge success. People really enjoyed the produce, and the gardens seemed happy to be sharing.
We have an opportunity to get matching funds again this year from Buckets for Hunger. This organization raises money from things or people associated with sports. They in turn will match our fundraising efforts with a percent of match. If you are planning to give to the Chetek Food Shelf, please consider doing it through this program. Last year we got a match of almost $3,000 besides what we took in from the fundraiser. Please make your checks out to Buckets for Hunger. Then in the memo section, please put Chetek Food Shelf. You can mail them direct to Wendy Folkers Ameriprise Financial, 1740 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701. If you would like us to mail them, please send them to The Chetek Food Shelf, P.O. Box 524, Chetek, WI 54728. If you have questions, call Louise Driver at (715) 924-4795. These must be mailed by Nov. 20.
I am so proud and grateful to live in a community that so generously helps others. Just so you know, we spent less than 1/2 percent of all income in administration.
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©The Chetek Alert 2010
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