AURORA — A new face is heading the Aurora Thrift Store and Food Pantry, but the establishment’s values of helping others are still very much intact.
Jeff Jackson took over in May for Sue Altman, who has retired, according to Becky Carlino, development director for Volunteers of America of which the Aurora Thrift Store and Food Pantry is a part.
"He’s taken on both the store and pantry and really has been working on changes at the retail store and comes with a lot of experience with food pantries," she said of Jackson, who started in the midst of Aurora’s community-wide "Fill-a-Bag, Feed-a-Family" campaign.
Altman could not be reached for comment.
Jackson said he worked for Volunteers of America at food pantries in North Olmsted and Brunswick before being offered the Aurora position.
So far, he said Aurora has been "great."
"One of the things that really kind of stuck out to me is just how supportive and giving the community is," said Jackson. "I know Sue was here for quite a number of decades, but I’ve felt very welcomed by the community."
Although he’s still working out the details, Jackson said he wants to find a way to collect more fresh produce and meat.
"If we would get those types of items, I would want to make sure families come to get it pretty quickly," he said. "I wouldn’t want it to go to waste."
Jackson also said he’d like to help serve a wider geographical area in the future.
‘Operation Backpack’
Two drives for the Aurora Thrift Store and Pantry, located at 1063 N. Aurora Road, are coming up, said Carlino. The first, "Operation Backpack," is already under way.
"If parents need backpacks and schools supplies for their kids, they can come and get them," she said.
But the Aurora Thrift Store and Food Pantry also needs donations of school supplies to help support the city’s students. Some of the items being accepted include spiral notebooks, paper, glue sticks, pencil bags or pouches, large erasers, rulers, folders, three-ring binders, scissors, crayons, pencils, pencil sharpeners, washable markers, dictionaries, protractors, highlighters, pens and subject dividers.
Jackson said Aurora students predominantly are the ones who will benefit from Aurora’s "Operation Backpack."
"From past years, I hear it’s definitely the Aurora area; it can be a lot," he said. "It can be up to 100 families."
Carlino said families which need help with school supply costs should visit the food pantry before Aug. 1 so there’s time to gather the necessary amount of supplies.
"One of our partners, Ohio Savings Bank branches, put bins and boxes out," she said. "You can also donate right at the food pantry if you want to donate school supplies."
‘Roll Out the Help’
The second drive coming up soon is "Roll Out the Help," which is set to take place Aug. 24, according to Carlino.
"There is actually a National Toilet Paper Day," she said. "One of the things pantries do not regularly get is toiletries."
This drive attempts to remedy that, she added. Typically, WIC cards that help people pay for food do not cover toilet paper, shampoo, hygiene items and variety of necessary house cleaning products, she explained.
"It’s a really simple day," said Carlino. "It’s drive up and donate. People can drive up all day and drop off at the back of the building."
Hours for drop off are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Items accepted for the "Roll Out the Help" drive include toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, shampoo and conditioner, baby diapers and wipes, detergent, paper towels, shaving cream, razors and feminine hygiene items.
Reporter Bob Gaetjens can be reached at 330-541-9440, bgaetjens@recordpub.com or @bobgaetjens_rpc.
