Two area groups need your help.
One needs food or cash. The other needs some of your time. Both are an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
The Green County Inter-Church Food Pantry has seen more families coming in the past few months seeking help. The pantry used to serve an average of 35 to 40 families a week. Now it averages 40 to 45, and in some weeks as many as 60 families.
Meanwhile, the inter-church pantry is receiving fewer donations of money and food.
In August 2007, the pantry received $2,000 in donations. In August 2008, the pantry got $550, according to co-coordinator Mary Dietz, who handles the pantry's finances.
Co-coordinator Maynard Heins said food donations have been down in recent months. Dietz said donations usually taper off during the summer months, and once school starts, they tend to pick up. Dietz said they're taking longer to pick back up.
It's understandable why. With the economy slumping and in an extremely uncertain state, people will naturally hold back a little. But it's important to remember that these are the times when those in need need the most.
Cash donations can be sent to the food pantry at 1015 15th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566.
While the pantry needs food and money to help people, the county's Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) needs people to help people.
An increasing number of sexual assaults in Green County has created a need for more advocates. In 2007, SARP helped 28 victims. By the end of August 2008, SARP already had helped 37.
SARP is looking for at least 10 more volunteers to help with crisis response 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a strong need for male volunteers, as all eight of SARP's current volunteers are female.
SARP will host an open house at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 1505 Ninth St. in Monroe to recruit more volunteers.
SARP advocates for sexual victims in Green and Rock counties. Among their duties are helping victims immediately after a sexual assault has been reported, informing them of their rights and advocating for them through the court process. SARP also does preventative education in Green County middle and high schools.
Hopefully, the community will do its part to help two vital organizations. Take some money or food to the pantry, or volunteer your time for SARP.
You and your community will be better for it.
One needs food or cash. The other needs some of your time. Both are an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
The Green County Inter-Church Food Pantry has seen more families coming in the past few months seeking help. The pantry used to serve an average of 35 to 40 families a week. Now it averages 40 to 45, and in some weeks as many as 60 families.
Meanwhile, the inter-church pantry is receiving fewer donations of money and food.
In August 2007, the pantry received $2,000 in donations. In August 2008, the pantry got $550, according to co-coordinator Mary Dietz, who handles the pantry's finances.
Co-coordinator Maynard Heins said food donations have been down in recent months. Dietz said donations usually taper off during the summer months, and once school starts, they tend to pick up. Dietz said they're taking longer to pick back up.
It's understandable why. With the economy slumping and in an extremely uncertain state, people will naturally hold back a little. But it's important to remember that these are the times when those in need need the most.
Cash donations can be sent to the food pantry at 1015 15th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566.
While the pantry needs food and money to help people, the county's Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) needs people to help people.
An increasing number of sexual assaults in Green County has created a need for more advocates. In 2007, SARP helped 28 victims. By the end of August 2008, SARP already had helped 37.
SARP is looking for at least 10 more volunteers to help with crisis response 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a strong need for male volunteers, as all eight of SARP's current volunteers are female.
SARP will host an open house at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 1505 Ninth St. in Monroe to recruit more volunteers.
SARP advocates for sexual victims in Green and Rock counties. Among their duties are helping victims immediately after a sexual assault has been reported, informing them of their rights and advocating for them through the court process. SARP also does preventative education in Green County middle and high schools.
Hopefully, the community will do its part to help two vital organizations. Take some money or food to the pantry, or volunteer your time for SARP.
You and your community will be better for it.
