Several of the IFCL Liberty Food Pantry volunteers include, from the left, Rose Marie Hewlett, Robert Rose, Henrietta Phelps and Marty Reimer.Pantry Now Serving More Of The Needy
In only a years time the Interfaith Food Council Food Pantry in Liberty (IFCL) has seen an almost 40 percent increase of needy folks coming for a bag of food each time the food pantry opens their doors on the second, third and fourth Friday of every month.
The needy are only allowed to come once a month and accurate records on who gets food are part of the strict requirements maintained by the IFCL.
Director of the IFCL Henrietta Phelps noted recently that from January to December 2008 the Pantry gave out a total of 840 bags of food serving 742 children and 1,200 adults.
Figures released by Ms. Phelps for just the month of April this year showed that the IFCL gave out 93 bags of food serving 80 children and 121 adults. She pointed out that just using these figures for a 12 months period of time would total 1,116 bags of food but that this figure will surely increase because of the tough economic times in Sullivan County.
The bags of food contain tuna fish, 2 cans of soup, 2 cans of vegetables, 1 can of fruit, l can of pasta sauce, a box of spaghetti pasta, 1 box of macaroni and cheese, 1 box or bag of rice, 1 can of beans, l box of tea bags and 1 container of hot chocolate. There is also pastries and bread donated by local supermarkets.
"I can't give enough thanks to the many people who donate the food," Ms. Phelps said.
She had high praise for the Liberty and Neversink Post Office employees and the many food drives they put on. Others who conduct food drives for the pantry include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Liberty Elementary School students and staff and many individuals who not only give food but make financial contributions. The local food pantry is also sent food from a co-op in Kingston and the financial contributions help purchase food at various locations.
"God Bless everyone who helps with the donations," Ms. Phelps added. An active Christian who serves on the Board of Trustees of the Liberty United Methodist Church, Ms. Phelps got involved in the IFCL which is located in the Liberty Lutheran Church on Chestnut Street because "God called me to do his work here."
Ms. Phelps also thanked the many volunteer workers who sort and pack the food in bags and help with the distribution and record keeping when the pantry is open.
In these very difficult economic times and with many Sullivan County residents unemployed these food donations and financial help are always welcome and it gives all of us the opportunity to pitch in and help those in need.
In only a years time the Interfaith Food Council Food Pantry in Liberty (IFCL) has seen an almost 40 percent increase of needy folks coming for a bag of food each time the food pantry opens their doors on the second, third and fourth Friday of every month.
The needy are only allowed to come once a month and accurate records on who gets food are part of the strict requirements maintained by the IFCL.
Director of the IFCL Henrietta Phelps noted recently that from January to December 2008 the Pantry gave out a total of 840 bags of food serving 742 children and 1,200 adults.
Figures released by Ms. Phelps for just the month of April this year showed that the IFCL gave out 93 bags of food serving 80 children and 121 adults. She pointed out that just using these figures for a 12 months period of time would total 1,116 bags of food but that this figure will surely increase because of the tough economic times in Sullivan County.
The bags of food contain tuna fish, 2 cans of soup, 2 cans of vegetables, 1 can of fruit, l can of pasta sauce, a box of spaghetti pasta, 1 box of macaroni and cheese, 1 box or bag of rice, 1 can of beans, l box of tea bags and 1 container of hot chocolate. There is also pastries and bread donated by local supermarkets.
"I can't give enough thanks to the many people who donate the food," Ms. Phelps said.
She had high praise for the Liberty and Neversink Post Office employees and the many food drives they put on. Others who conduct food drives for the pantry include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Liberty Elementary School students and staff and many individuals who not only give food but make financial contributions. The local food pantry is also sent food from a co-op in Kingston and the financial contributions help purchase food at various locations.
"God Bless everyone who helps with the donations," Ms. Phelps added. An active Christian who serves on the Board of Trustees of the Liberty United Methodist Church, Ms. Phelps got involved in the IFCL which is located in the Liberty Lutheran Church on Chestnut Street because "God called me to do his work here."
Ms. Phelps also thanked the many volunteer workers who sort and pack the food in bags and help with the distribution and record keeping when the pantry is open.
In these very difficult economic times and with many Sullivan County residents unemployed these food donations and financial help are always welcome and it gives all of us the opportunity to pitch in and help those in need.
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