Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H and members of other community youth groups passed out bags last week for the collection of cans and packaged goods for the Enon Emergency Relief Pantry.
On Saturday, they picked up the full bags and took the groceries to the Enon Emergency Relief Pantry, 105 N. Scott St., which is right behind Enon Veterinary Hospital at 208 W. Main St.
“These young people perform an excellent service to the community each year when they conduct this food drive,” said Enon Emergency Relief President Gerald Bennett in a news release. “They and their leaders are to be highly commended for their time and effort.”
According to Bennett, the pantry shelves have been hit hard recently with increased need, and it is hoped that this additional food drive might refill the pantry shelves with good winter foods like soups, hot cereals, ready to eat meals, mixes for pancakes, peanut butter, vegetables and fruits. Paper goods, personal hygiene products, bars of soap and dish or laundry detergent are also needed.
“Problem is we used to have two (food drives) a year and got all we needed,” said Bennett. But this year another food drive was needed.
He said Enon Relief is very appreciative that the youth groups have agreed to do this additional collection before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Community members who were not able to be a part of the collection last weekend may bring bags of donated groceries to the pantry, which is located next to the Enon water tower. The pantry is open from 2:30-5 p.m. on Monday afternoons, or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.
People wishing to include Enon Emergency Relief in their year-end giving should send a check made to Treasurer, Enon Emergency Relief to Enon Emergency Relief, P. O. Box 121, Enon, OH 45323 or take it to the treasurer during pantry hours.
Bennett said that financial donations are especially appreciated since they can be used to purchase items that fill in the gaps on pantry shelves, buy bread and milk or even help pay the utility bill for the pantry.
It is always good to call ahead (937-864-5555) to be sure the pantry is open. Those seeking assistance must bring proof that they live in the Greenon school district and paperwork showing their need such as pay stubs or relief checks.
The USDA “Box 60” monthly food distribution provides a monthly box of groceries to low-income senior citizens over 60 years of age. Qualified individuals may apply during pantry hours or call the pantry.
Bennett explained that there are only three more times to sign-up for Christmas assistance. These will be held today and Nov. 10 from 2:30-5 p.m. at Knob Prairie Church, 203 W. Main St., and Nov. 15 at the Enon Relief Pantry from 10 a.m.-noon.
Those wishing to Adopt-a-Family for Christmas should call Enon Relief, also at 864-5555. According to Bennett, Enon Relief is always looking for more families, clubs, churches, businesses and individuals to help make a difference for a local family at Christmas. Always.
Now when I look at that Enon water tower, I’ll remember that is stands above the Enon Relief Pantry and above a town that goes that extra distance to care for all its residents.
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