| Neighborhood Center in need of food donations | |
| Saturday, 01 November 2008 | |
| By Carol Anders Staff Writer PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Neighborhood Center has begun its annual campaign for donations to benefit Marshall County families and children over the holidays. The Center traditionally offers baskets of Thanksgiving dinner food to Marshall County residents in need. At Christmas, they also offer new gifts to parents of children in need. It is hoping to have enough donations to give out 250 food baskets for Thanksgiv-ing; however, Director Jerry Nikitas said the number will depend on their resources. He said, “We may have to limit the number of baskets or the amount of the food.” On Saturday, Nov. 8, trucks for donations will be parked at Martin’s Supermarket and Kroger to help those who want to donate. Shoppers will be able to pick up a Neighborhood Center shopping list at the entry doors of both stores from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food and new toys are accepted daily at the center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Nikitas said accountability is important. Those wanting to be put on a list for Thanksgiving or Christmas help must fill out an application. Nikitas said, “We check the family income and the number of family members. If the application is approved, a letter is sent to the address given. Applicants must then present the letter in order to receive a food basket.” Except for Mondays, the center also has a food pantry on site, to distribute food, free of charge, to Marshall Coun-ty residents. The food pantry is not open for distribution on Monday, but donations are always accepted. The staff is able to purchase some food products through the food bank in South Bend at 18 cents per pound; but they also find it necessary to purchase other places to offer proper nutrition for clients. According to Nikitas, they served 781 people in September with food assistance. The center is the recipient of government commodities; however, Nikitas said the last several shipments that they hoped to receive were canceled. Nikitas predicts that they will give assistance to 1,000 or more people in October. Donations given to the Neighborhood Center can be ear-marked for holidays. Nikitas touched on the difficulty that many are experiencing in the county saying, “We have an economy that forces people to create their own economy.” |
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