Calvary Food Pantry: Family comes through for Auburnians in need - Auburn Citizen

Calvary Food Pantry: Family comes through for Auburnians in need - Auburn Citizen

It is during the Thanksgiving season when the pantry’s 150 baskets are created (by hand, by Thelma O., an indomitable volunteer). And as my thoughts go on to Christmas and the needs of my 200 families and their children, and up to 900 individuals monthly, I often wonder how I can support them in this joyous time when, often, the families lack basic essentials.

I have a Christmas tree here that is filled with hats, scarfs and gloves for children, but little else this year. Much to my surprise, out of the blue, Thomas and Toni Frank and their three children, Alexander, Isaac and Amelin, dropped by with 91 shoeboxes for our children. Unloading the car of so many boxes, we all were aware of little Amelin, 4 years old, waddling down the steps to put boxes in place and clapping her hands as she accomplished her chore. The boxes contained games, “fun” things and personal care items, like socks and underwear for ages 5 to 10. Toni asked her friends from the Lake Church here in Auburn, NUCOR and her work place, Rebound Physical Therapy in Marcellus, to help. Because we try to bring cheer to our 200 or more families, we fall short with gifts for the little ones. Thank goodness, not this year. The Frank family and their helpful friends are our December Heroes for Hunger.

David Wilcox of The Citizen and I created the Heroes for Hunger column to inform the Auburn community how the pantry works in this most difficult of times. Very few people knew then the administration of the pantry, the people involved volunteering their time selflessly, and the families that we feed. I think Heroes for Hunger has done significant work generating an understanding about this pantry and a dialogue with the community. Additionally, the articles have put a spotlight on my resources, or lack thereof, and the continual need for fundraising in this hectic time when every other organization is looking for some support. I have passed a milestone, though. This is my 53rd article.

So as the pantry moves into the Christmas season, I am aware that the time goes quickly, with much hustle and bustle. The volunteers are here, the truck from the CNY Food Bank arrived and all hands were on deck (so to speak, in the basement). I give three meals a day, per person in a household, for five days. My families brave the cold and plan because it is the first week of the month and their SNAP (food stamps) payments will not stretch to Christmas day. I am here trying to help throughout this giving season.

New from the pantry

From 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, there will be a fundraiser at del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre. We asked for a grant that they were offering, and the resort called back saying they could help us. You know I take every fundraising opportunity I can. So please come and support us. There is wine tasting of over 20 wineries, all supporting Calvary Food Pantry.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Please volunteer, donate and reciprocate in kind.