Put-in-Bay Food Pantry Neighbors Caring for Neighbors… Island Residents Share Their Bounty
Each year the Put-in-Bay community looks for ways to lend a hand to those who may need some assistance. Unlike the food pantries on the mainland, the system is anonymous. St. Pauls Church does not ask for any information from the people who use this island resource. Once again, many of our seasonal residents donate food to the pantry before closing their cottages for the winter. Other contributions to canned foods have come from various community events.
The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service was held at Mother of Sorrows Church Monday, November 20th, 2017. Island residents have gathered together to give thanks since the late 1800s when turkeys raised on the island fed the families living here. Thanks to Deacon Mike for organizing our service and for all who brought canned goods for the food pantry.
The current coordinator is Doraine Toms, who is assisted by St. Paul’s Outreach Committee. They work together to make sure food pantry supplies are purchased before the boat stops running and keep various items on the shelves. Doraine has volunteered to coordinate the pantry for six years; before that, Gay Pippert-Ladd was the coordinator. We appreciate all these ladies have done to establish and expand this community resource and all of the contributions we’ve received over the years.
In addition to the Food Pantry at St. Paul’s, Mother Mary has a “Discretionary Fund” that may assist residents in other ways. Please get in touch with her about other kinds of assistance available to Put-in-Bay residents. From time to time, we have received requests from people who are not on the island. We try to refer them to the myriad programs available through churches and community agencies near their homes.
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