May brings so many wonderful things to this community. Flowers and trees are bursting with excitement after the long gray winter. Wabash College completes its term and graduation arrives. Public schools have ground through all the spring testing and now look forward to outdoor activities and sports, proms and graduation. Memorial Day remembers those who have stood for us and our appreciation for what they have given. All of that is so positive it is hard to connect to issues within our community that are not solved by more sunshine and daylight.
Children grow by leaps and bounds and it is never more apparent than when they need new shorts and sneakers to enjoy being outdoors. Our clothing bank is accepting used, in good condition clothing for all ages for the nicer weather. We so benefited by people digging into closets after new Christmas apparel arrived but now a new season brings new needs. Please consider the constant need for new or good condition underwear and socks. Remember to place items in the drop box at the rear of Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church. Placing clean items in plastic bags keeps them clean. We are now open the morning of the third Saturday of the month as well as our regular hours of Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon. Special thanks to our volunteers who keep this closet in order so shopping is easy.
Our linen closet has benefited from many recent donations but they leave on Thursday mornings as soon as they arrive. Please remember if you are spring cleaning or helping someone downsize that those towels at the back of the closet could really help someone in need.
Our food needs continue to challenge us. As you look forward to planting your garden consider planting a few extra vegetable plants or a row of your favorites to share with our food bank in the rear of St. Bernard’s. Many areas of America encourage people to plant a row of something to share. Our fresh produce is nonexistent for much of the year so if you are able consider this contribution.
The US Postal Service for many years has done a food drive the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. This year the May 13 drive hopes to bring loads of stable foods to the food bank. Your postal worker will pick up your food donation at your home and deliver it to us. So remember as you shop over the next couple weeks to watch for sales and begin a bag or box for your donation. If you are going to take food from your own shelves be sure to check expiration dates. We are allowed to give foods within six months past that date.
We know that the postal drive day is a huge effort for our volunteers but it always helps sustain us during the summer months when people are thinking about recreation rather than donations. Of course the summertime when children are off from school means families need more food rather than less. Consider through your church having a kid friendly food drive. Mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly do not have a season with kids.
If all of these options sound like too much effort the writing of a check can ease your conscience. Any amount big or small can get us to the goal of meeting the needs.
Remember our P.O. Box 261, Crawfordsville, get funds to us to serve whatever need we face. You can always contact us for food, clothing or linen needs at our phone number of 765-362-3474. Our hours are published in the Journal Review Bulletin Board daily.
Linda Cherry is president of FISH of Montgomery County.
