BIG BOOST — The Smithfield Friends Church Food Pantry received $500 in canned vegetables and fruit, three types of breakfast cereal, bath soap, pasta products, tooth brushes and other family products from the Ohio Oil and Gas Association on Wednesday. Among those on hand were, from left, Arnold Harris, helper; Patty Wetherell, food pantry secretary and representative to the United Way; John Lee, computer director; Marlene Wells and Betty Hasley, volunteers; Bob Wade; Amanda Finn of Ascent Resources; Mike Chadsey, OOGA director of public relations; Stan Dombroski, food pantry director; and Don Roe, vice director.
COLUMBUS — The Columbus-based Ohio Oil and Gas Association on Wednesday added to the food products that disappear quickly from the shelves at the Smithfield Friends Church Food Pantry.
Boxes of canned vegetables and fruits, three kinds of cereal, crackers, pastas, bath soap, tooth brushes and other need items were brought in from the van that was driven by Mike Chadsey, Ohio Oil and Gas Association public relations director. He was assisted in the shopping by Aldi’s in Cambridge by Amanda Finn, general relations manager for Ascent Resources.
Chadsey said four other companies assisted, including Convenient Pipeline Co., Williams Pipeline, Hilltop Drilling and Ascent Resources.
The mission statement for the pantry is to provide a minimum amount of food for 14 meals per person monthly to eligible families in a 10-mile radius of Smithfield. It is affiliated with the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and the Jefferson County United Way.
Stan Dombroski, director, said that the pantry got its start in the church almost 20 years ago. Mary Joy Dillon was the originator of the help food station, he noted. Patty Wetherell started the same year as Dillon and has served as the secretary and United Way representative since.
Eligibility criteria to be able to receive food include living within a 10-mile radious of Smithfield, being able to show proof of residency and meeting federal poverty gudelines.
There are two choices for the food allotment: A prepared generic box distribution held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday each month or choices from the food pantry from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday each month. Produce distribution is at 8 a.m. every Wednesday. In an emergency situation, including fire or flood, needed food is always available.
Donations made to help with the pantry’s needs are tax deductible, Dombroski said.
A selection of free used clothing can be found at the center from May through October, and free medical screenings of blood pressure, oxygen levels and blood sugar are available during the same period. Volunteers are available to help carry food to vehicles. Referral to other Jefferson County United Way agencies can be made through the pantry.
