Banking on Generosity: Danville food bank asks community to help replenish shelves

November 20, 2009|By HERB BROCK

As Danvillians complete their Christmas gift-buying lists, Tom Butler is hoping they can save a little space on them for donations to Danville's Community Food Bank at First Baptist Church, Second and Walnut streets.

According to Butler, who is a director of the food bank, many of the shelves have been getting empty in recent weeks. "We were so short on our supply of food that we had to close one of the two days a week we are open," he said.

However, the food bank has returned to its schedule, which is 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. People needing food or wanting to donate it may come during those times on those two days. Butler said he expects Danvillians will show their "usual generosity" during the holidays to make sure the food bank's shelves are filled. "We are anticipating getting many more donations during as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays get under way," he said. "People are in a more charitable mood."

In fact, Butler said the holiday charitable spirit seems to have spurred an increase in donations already. "We have been receiving more calls from individuals asking what foods we needed," he said. "And a local farm, One Duck Farm, donation a very substantial amount of food."

Butler said the following items — in cans, bottles or boxes or other kinds of packaging — are in particular need for not only meals but for after-school snacks for children:

* Graham crackers
* Spam
* Ramen noodles
* Corned beef hash
* Canned hams
* Cold and hot cereals
* All types of canned vegetables
* Tuna and salmon
* Stuffing mixes
* Chili
* Dried beans
* Peanut butter and jelly
* Spinach
* Any microwavable meals.

Generally speaking, the food bank accepts nonperishable and packaged canned goods, including soup, rice, pasta and cereals, Butler said. The food bank also accepts monetary donations that the food bank will use to purchase food, including some fresh meats that are stored in a freezer as well as the canned, bottled and boxed foods that are placed on the shelves, he said.

Butler said regular contributors to the food bank include SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Cornerstone Assembly of God, First Baptist Church on the Danville bypass, and the Presbyterian Church of Danville, as well as parishioners at First Baptist Church, Second and Walnut streets, of which Butler is a member.

Butler, said the demand on the food bank as been increasing in recent months largely due to deep recession that has hurt the overall economy and resulted in many people in the area being laid off or having their salaries frozen or cut.

SO YOU KNOW

People needing food at the Community Food Bank at First Baptist Church, Second and Walnut streets, may go to the bank, located in the basement of the church, from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Use the rear entrance the church to get to the basement.

Churches, organizations and individuals wishing to donate food to the food bank may do so during those same times and dates.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to be used by the food bank to buy food should make their check payable to First Baptist Church, Second and Walnut streets. Be sure to write "food bank" on the memo line.

Index by Date

Index by Keyword