6 Fall 2023 $ throughout the year, and donations from the community are always welcome. LaRue notes, “We appreciate donations of food, laundry soap, hand soap, and more, as well as money for us to buy the items we need.” Muscotah United Church Muscotah, KS Muscotah United Church runs the Holiday Food Pantry and Children’s Christmas Gift Program. Members of the church and community work together to help those in need—typically 10-20 families —and the Gift of Giving program provides some funding to purchase food, gifts, and toys. Sandy Handke, Congregation Member of Muscotah United Church, wanted to express gratitude. “Rainbow’s generous yearly donations have aided our effort to provide Christmas gifts to area children who otherwise wouldn’t have any, along with food for the families over the winter school breaks. In addition to toys, we give the children necessities such as coats, hats, gloves, blankets, warm pajamas, socks, and undergarments,” said Handke. Muscotah United Church also helps four area schools by donating t-shirts, sweat pants, hats, and gloves as needed for emergency use. The schools greatly appreciate having these items on hand for sick childrenwhomayneed a change of clothes for the trip home. In addition, warm food and blankets are given by Muscotah United Church to aid elderly shut-ins during intensely cold winter periods. Does Muscotah United Church have any requests for the community? Handke replied, “Many children are without beds and bedding, so gifts of pillows, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets would be helpful.” Nemaha County Food Pantry Bern, KS The Nemaha County Food Pantry is operated by Frieders Church and is totally dependent on contributions of money, food, and personal care items as well as the work of volunteers. Support for the Nemaha County Food Pantry comes from area businesses, churches, schools, organizations, and individuals. Local church volunteers have helped the pantry serve 453 adults, 287 children, and 123 seniors so far in 2023. Its hours are the following: • 1st Wednesday of the month – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm • 3 rd, 4th, and 5thWednesdays – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm On the 2nd Wednesday of the month, pantry volunteers work on the Harvester Mobile Pantry at the Community Building parking lot at noon. Rick and Diane Allison are the current coordinators of the Nemaha County Food Pantry and sent this message: “Thanks to all who contribute in any way, including Rainbow for its Gift of Giving donations.” Trinity Center Food Pantry Hiawatha, KS The former North Brown Co. Food Pantry located at the First Baptist Church became the Trinity Center Food Pantry when it moved into the newly established Trinity Center, just east of downtown Hiawatha, early in 2023. It serves hundreds of households in northern Brown County each year. The number varies from year to year depending on economic conditions. Laura Fortmeyer, Trinity Center Food Pantry Manager, said, “We’ve received a significant amount from the Gift of Giving program each of the past several years, and it really helps keep our shelves stocked for families in need. It’s also very affirming that so many local Rainbow customers want to support us.” Fortmeyer noted, “If communitymembers would like to help us, the main ways are to donate funds or food/toiletry items. Providing rides for those without transportation would also be very appreciated.” How Dollars Make a Difference Continued $
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