This year marks the 40th anniversary for Carroll County’s Food Pantry, the Community of Concern, who has been providing an invaluable service to residents of the region since 1981. Director, Roxie Reinart has been at the helm since 2008, and says they don’t use income guidelines, so they are able to serve anyone with an identified need.
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Reinart says they don’t just hand out a meal or two, it is a substantial amount of food and staple items.
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This can be a lifesaver for families who are being forced to decide between food and medications or fuel for their vehicles. Board President, Summer Parrott, says they are actively fundraising and recently distributed an annual update.
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Parrott adds this is also a thank you to everyone who has donated items and cash over the past year. She says every year they pick up a few more supporters and use this to deliver a very important message with statistics and data of which many residents may be unaware. Such as, so far this year, they have assisted around 2,000 individuals and households, 80 of those in the past month alone.
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The need is rising again in our region and Parrott says she has been hearing of families initiating meat-free nights because of the high costs. Often times, these people are doing their best to budget their income and pay their bills, but unexpected expenses, such as an auto repair or medical bill, can put added stress on those allocations. Reinart says the holiday season is the only time they actively seek donations, but people are in need throughout the entire year and they want to continue to keep their shelves stocked. The community is extremely giving, and Reinart says they are grateful because without that support, the Community of Concern would not survive. In honor of their anniversary, Reinart takes a look back at some of those instrumental in their origination.
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Reinart and Parrott thank the community again as well as their many dedicated volunteers, who spend countless hours helping the Community of Concerns’ only paid employee, which is Reinart. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Reinart says they ask that people arrive prior to 11 a.m. to give them time to finish applications. They are also taking applications over the phone at 712-792-5150. If those hours don’t work, arrangements can be made to meet after hours. Donations after those hours can also be made by calling that phone number. The Carroll Broadcasting Company Great Holiday Food Drive is this Friday, Nov. 19 and staff members will be collecting non-perishable food, household and personal hygiene items as well as cash donations at both Hy-Vee and Fareway in Carroll from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.