FISH of Montgomery County welcomes LaVonne Bartlett, the new Food Pantry Director. She brings decades of management skills and volunteer outreach experience to her new position. She understands the challenges and rewards of helping others. Bartlett’s vision, empathy, and organizational skills provide a strong base for the pantry’s operation and bring a fresh approach to serving neighbors.
Shoppers relying on the pantry delight in the bounty of fresh produce that has been available throughout the summer. Home gardeners and those who manage community gardens at schools and churches regularly share fresh fruit and vegetables. The zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, early apples and sweet corn are a blessing to people who can’t garden for themselves.
Because of a special grant from the Montgomery County Community Foundation, FISH now offers senior citizens additional protein choices. CEL&P funded a surprise basket of Labor Day picnic supplies for neighbors at the pantry. Incoming Wabash freshmen shared energy by stocking winter items at the Clothing Closet as part of their community service day.
September is National Hunger Action Month. FISH Food Pantry looks forward to receiving increased individual and group donations. Call 765-362-FISH to learn about current needs or to arrange for large drop-offs. Donations are welcome during regular business hours 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9-11 a.m. Wednesday.
A strong response to July’s Clothing Closet Yard Sale slashed the inventory of summer clothing. Shoppers were invited to “take what you need and pay what you can.” Closet Director Kayla Hernandez is busy replacing the stock with warmer selections as temperatures change. A second free-will donation sale will take place on Sept. 27-28. Sweaters, coats, gloves and socks will be available. The Clothing Closet is located behind the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, across from Arni’s.
Board members meet bi-monthly to attend to the business concerns that keep FISH operational. Grant writing, community connections, workshop attendance, event planning, infrastructure procurement, budgeting, technology management and dozens of other concerns require committed involvement and creative thinking. Curious individuals are invited to call 217-504-1804 or 317-306-9985 for information.
FISH of Montgomery County depends on community support. Both in-kind and monetary donations keep our doors open. Please mail checks to FISH, P.O Box 261, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or call 765-362- FISH (3747) to arrange for deliveries. We are so grateful for the generosity that helps FISH address the needs of Montgomery County neighbors.
Elaine Chase is co-president of FISH. She contributes a monthly column to the Journal Review.
