Published: July 02, 2008 12:50 pm            

Filling a Need

KINMUNDY — After three years of serving those in need in the Kinmundy-Alma area, Neighborhood Food Pantry is still going strong.

The food pantry was started in June 2005 because of a lot of low-income people in the area, said pantry volunteer Janice Eischens.

“It was just something we felt we could do,” said Eischens about the establishment of the food pantry in June 2005. “We feel like we’re really helping people.”

The food pantry’s first distribution gave food to 19 individuals. That number has greatly increased. This past May, 205 individuals were served within a two-hour period. Food is distributed on the third Saturday of every month.

“We would love to expand at some point,” said Eischens, who added eventually the pantry would like to make donated clothing and possibly car seats available.

Those who have monthly incomes at or below the guidelines — $960 for a household of one, $1,264 for a household of two, $1,628 for three, $1,961 for four, $2,295 for five, $2,629 for six, $2,962 for seven and $3,296 for eight — are welcome to use the food pantry, but volunteer Ginny Randolph indicated no one in need is turned away.

If someone says they need food, the pantry gives it to them, Eischens said.

People seeking assistance for the first time have to sign in, but listing their income is optional, according to Randolph. The pantry is able to help those in need thanks to a variety of sources that donate items and help raise funds.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed, according to pantry organizers.

Cecil Jones, one of the founders of the pantry, said people have been wonderful in giving their time.

Randolph said some of the people the pantry helps often return the favor and donate items like refrigerators that would help someone else.

Several churches in Alma and Kinmundy donate money to the food pantry, as well as hold food drives.

Randolph said South Central High School also holds a food drive for the pantry, with the local Lions Club and American Legion helping to get it ready.

In addition, volunteers of the pantry hold several fund-raisers, including an annual auction in February and a coat drive, said Randolph.

The food pantry is located in a building owned by Eischens’ father, Elwyn Cheatum, owner of Madison Street Real Estate Co. in Kinmundy and former Kinmundy mayor, so the pantry only pays about $50 a month for utilities to use the space, Eischens said.

The pantry, however, does not receive donations from food banks because doing so would bar volunteers from placing religious pamphlets in bags or a Bible verse on the pantry’s window.

“The community support has been amazing,” Randolph said.

Jackie Gorski can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 136 or at jackie.gorski@effinghamdailynews.com.