March 7, 2014 at 1:50 p.m.
By Kayla Thomason-
"It's about 200 bags of groceries and roughly about a $10 value on each bag," said Mike Nabbefeld, assistant store director at Trig's.
Trig's chooses to donate during this time of year because winter usually takes a toll on the pantry's reserves and people's wallets.
"We do it once a year and we really kind of target now, March going into April because during the holidays a lot of people donate to the food pantries but you get to this time of year and it gets to be a little tough," said Steve Heise, store director. "All those reserves start to disappear so now is really a perfect time to do it because it helps the food pantry build up their reserves."
A variety of items, from soda to canned goods, were donated.
"I tell [people who wish to donate] if they are going to shop, I hesitate to pick out certain things to tell them, I tell them 'buy something you'd like to get' because it's a treat for (pantry customers) when they go through and they get something that I don't normally stock on the shelf," said Jane Motowski, manager of the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry
The pantry has seen more people come in this year due to the harsh winter weather and high heating and propane costs, Motowski said.
"[People] need help and that's what we are here for," she said. "Don't wait until it gets like 'OK you pay this bill or you get food,' come and try it and stay up with your bills anyway."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].

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