Food Pantry Helps 285 Families At Thanksgiving

We didn’t get the winning lottery ticket;  we didn’t find a pot of gold;  but we DID find a lot of hearts of gold and willing, helping hands as we prepared for and distributed Thanksgiving baskets to families in need on November 19th at the Kahoka Christian church.  Over 322 postcards were sent to families nominated by churches, schools, and organizations throughout the county.  Two hundred eighty-five of the baskets were presented to those families.  Unfortunately, for one reason or another, no one came for the rest.  The Pantry would sincerely appreciate it if those requesting a basket for someone would be certain they want it or will have someone pick it up for them.  The Food Pantry orders the turkeys and prepares for the amount requested.  While nothing ever goes to waste some folks may be missed that would be very thankful for that meal!
On Sunday, November 18th, 51 people signed the volunteers list!  They helped set up tables, arrange the dressing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, desserts, and sweet potatoes.  The youth group from Peaksville Christian church provided over 1200 lbs. of potatoes and helped sack them for distribution. Other churches and organizations represented were Kahoka UMC, St. Paul UCC, Kahoka Christian church, Kahoka First Baptist church, Alexandria Presbyterian church, St. Michael and St. Martha Catholic churches, Ashton Cloverleaf 4-H club, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and probably several others who were not noted on the sign-in sheet!
The following day several of those folks returned to help with the distribution of the baskets.  The following signed the volunteers list:  Kenny & Patricia Brant, Lola Hesse, Kenny & Dolores Justice, Susan Roberts, Jim Rainbolt, Mary Ann Lillard, Rev. Barb Koenig, Lynn Bailey, Edith Johnson, Keith & Joan Cannon, Cheryl Brammer, Janice Robinson, Desiree Dole, Haydee Meier, Lola Eder, Mary Ann Barnes, Don & Marilyn Kelly, Marie Auld, Patty & Bobby Seyb, Milton & Doris Krueger, Susan Walker, Barb Elwell, Lynn Summers, Janice Justice, and Kenneth Krueger, Jr.
The Food Pantry is overwhelmed with the out-pouring of generosity providing the groceries and money for turkeys etc. for the baskets and for the continuing needs of the Pantry.  We are reminded of the story of the loaves and fishes when we see the shelves in the pantry going bare and the money in the bank account dwindling and our prayers are answered with much more than we asked for.  Our grateful thanks to this community we are so proud to call home!
A special thanks goes to all who are so generous and caring, to the Kahoka Christian church for the use of their facilities, and to Mac’s Super Saver for their help with the turkeys, and to all of the kind volunteers.  We could not do it without you!

Edith Johnson, Reporter