LACKAWAXEN TWP. - After learning that there are children in the community unable to eat breakfast, the owner of the Inn at Lackawaxen, Scott Furer, has decided to do something. At the Lackawaxen Township August workshop, Furer who has held a block party in the township for three years said funds raised from the event will go to a proposed nonprofit pantry, “The Care Cabin” that would be established near the township building.
Although there are food pantries in Greeley, Hawley, Honesdale, Milford and Shohola, there isn’t one in Lackawaxen and now, Furer would like to change that.
The funds raised from the event will go towards the construction of a building that would have a heat strip and a dehumidifier that volunteers would maintain once constructed on the township property. The only request Furer had, was that the township cover the cost of electric. Volunteers would stock the pantry. There are still some “logistics to work out” he said, but the volunteers are looking at perhaps being open two day a week for four hours.
This year’s block party would fund the initial building of the structure as well as people giving donations of food items. Furer believes it is important that people realize there are others unable to eat and they can do something to address that he said. He is looking for dry goods, not canned items.
Solicitor Tom Farley said although the Care Cabin is a “great idea,” he believes funding will be “tough” since the already established pantries in the area have to spend money and are only open once a month. Furer acknowledged that there are “logistics to work out.”
Whatever funds remain after the construction of the building and stocking of the pantry, will be put into an escrow account. After that, Furer said he believes the “community would step up” as each year the block party is growing and “$9,000 is a lot of money to stock dry goods.” Farley’s fear, he said was that the $9,000 to start would work, but afterward he was unsure. Furer responded that the building is already paid for because the lumber, concrete and labor has already been donated. Stocking of shelves he isn’t worried about either, since good will boxes are often filled by the community since “people will step up.”
Supervisor Chairman Michael Mancino said the Care Cabin seemed like a “worthy and good fit.” Immediately, members of the public expressed their support and pleasure for such a resource. Judy Catoire, for instance, noted that money will be needed for a “full rounded selection of foods.” But, she asked Furer if he would like volunteers to contact businesses for their support. Which, he said yes and just her initial offer of support showed how the community will do what is necessary for such a cause.
Furer hoped for an answer sooner than later because the building would be built within a week. Funds raised from the block party each year have gone to a cause, last year it was homelessness in Pike County and disabled veterans.
The next Lackawaxen Township Supervisors’ meeting is scheduled to be held Monday, September 18 at 7 p.m., immediately following the workshop at 6 p.m. Both are open to the public and are held at the Township offices on Urban Road. For information call 570-685-7288.
