January 29, 2016 at 4:39 p.m.
Marshfield Clinic contributes food and funds to Lakeland Pantry
Marshfield Clinic contributes food and funds to Lakeland Pantry
The food and funds were collected from Clinic staff as part of a drive held in December coordinated by Marshfield Clinic Human Resources representatives Amy Pikka-Wallis, Jill Riley and Sue Meyers.
The Clinic also made its annual contribution of $1,000 to support the ongoing work of the Lakeland Pantry.
"The Clinic annually donates funds to help support the food pantry, and our staff continues to be very active in helping with food drives," said Dr. Michael Schaars, medical chairperson, Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center. "We would like to urge others in our community to remember the Lakeland Pantry all year long, as we know that the need is there."
The number of recipient families continues to grow, according to Lakeland Pantry. More than 2,400 families are served weekly. The pantry distributes more than 16,000 pounds of food weekly to 425-450 families, with as many as 650-700 families needing assistance during winter. Many of these families have income insufficient to adequately support their family. Currently, 40 percent of recipients are children.
"We are very grateful for the contributions from Marshfield Clinic and other organizations and individuals," said John and Pam Winkelman, co-directors of Lakeland Pantry.
Ninety-seven percent of the food distributed is bought with donated funds. Pantry funding is 100 percent derived from community donations by individuals, businesses and organizations such as Marshfield Clinic. Without these donations, the Lakeland Pantry would be unable to provide for the recipient needs.
"We make the most of all monetary donations, using cost effective purchasing, so that a $10 donation buys $50-$70 of food. Even a small donation can make a big difference," said the Winkelmans.
In addition to providing weekly supplemental food to families and individuals, the Lakeland Pantry also coordinates service projects with youth organizations, maintains a Family in Crisis fund, and distributes clothes and books for all ages at their Second Time Around clothing area and Book Nook areas at the pantry.
The Lakeland Pantry distribution/donation drop-off times are Tuesdays, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and alternating Thursdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Donations can be sent to: Lakeland Pantry, c/o Howard Young Foundation, P.O. Box 470, Woodruff, WI 54568. The pantry is located at 1707 Hwy. 51 North, Arbor Vitae, WI. Contact Lakeland Pantry at (715) 358-2222 or email lakelandfoodpantry@ gmail.com.
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