TimesLeader.com

November 18, 2009

Food Pantry gives thanks

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

DALTON - During a time when most people are preparing for their own holiday celebration, the Dalton Food Pantry is making sure everyone will have something to be thankful for this season.

Founded by the Abington Ecumenical Ministerium, the Dalton Food Pantry, located in the Dalton United Methodist Church, 125 S. Turnpike Rd., Dalton, has been providing food to residents of the Abington Heights and Lackawanna Trail school districts since 1983.

The Dalton Food Pantry is a private pantry, which means, unlike government pantries, there are fewer requirements a person must meet in order for the pantry to provide them food.

“Anyone who feels they are in need can come any time of the year,” said the pantry’s coordinator Nancy Thompson.

“We’re hoping we’re helping at least someone in the community. We must, otherwise we wouldn’t be here.”

One downside the pantry faces by being private is they do not receive government funding, meaning they are completely dependent on donations.

Thankfully, over the years the community has done more than its share to keep the operation moving. In addition to the churches, a number of other organizations have organized food drives, including the Abington Heights middle and high schools, Rotary Club of the Abingtons, Abington Heights Civic League and Fidelity Bank, to name a few.

“The community has been really good to us,” said Thompson.

And while Thompson said the pantry is very grateful of donations, they love even more handing them out. Thompson urges anyone in need to come and benefit from the community goodwill.

Thompson said she understands that there may be some confusion over whether or not a person is eligible, but stressed that anyone in the community who feels they are in need is eligible.

Currently the pantry serves an estimated 40 to 45 families, but volunteers feel there may be more in the area who are in need. They are hoping to see those people come out this year.

The pantry is also always accepting volunteers. They are currently preparing for a food sort that will take place at the church on Saturday, Nov. 21, to get ready for Thanksgiving, and anyone wishing to volunteer should show up on Saturday.

“We’re having a huge food sort from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and they don’t have to be here the whole time. They can come for as much time as they have available to come and help us sort food,” said Thompson.

“That’s sometimes a good way for people to sort of see if this is something they’d be interested in.”

The pantry is open every Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Those interested in registering for the service, who are 18 or older, should bring a driver’s license along with a recent utility bill. Parents of a child under 18 should bring the child’s insurance card.

Anyone interested can visit the pantry up to twice a month.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, making donations or receiving food from the pantry, call the church at 570.563.1619 and leave a message.