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Food Bank usage increases during the holidays
by David Namanny, Press-News Editor
During this holiday season, there seems to be a heightened awareness of giving in the local communities.
But one person who gives all-year town is Leo Chisholm, coordinator of the Mitchell County Food Bank. According to him, Food Bank usage always increases around Christmas time.
"It's the only business I've been in that I wish I'd see a decrease in customers instead of an increase," said Chisholm. "But along increase among the needy, there is also an increase in giving to our organization - and that's something we can be thankful for."
Now in its new location at the County Services Building at 415 Pleasant Street, the Mitchell County Food Bank retains the same hours of operation, 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Mitchell County Food Bank operates with 13 sets of two people who volunteer their services each week. Those volunteers include: Gladys Larson, Norma Tack, Colleen Dodge, Belle Spitz, Terry and Carol Smalley, Jim and Ann Rezabek, Irma Almquist, Marge Johnson, Mike and Marge Penney, Karen Ketelsen, Juanita Halverson, Dorothy Lines, Marvel Kubicek, Judy Kramme, Ila Lincoln, Betty Clark, Barbara Weber, Mary Ann Carmody, Ethel Wichmann, Les and Joan Decker, Sally Kratchmer and Irene Angell.
In the 24-years that Leo Chisholm has headed the Mitchell County Food Bank he points out with a smile that he's never had any of his volunteers go on maternity leave.
He did say, however, he has recorded three knee replacements, two broken hips and two cancer survivors during the past 24 years.
"We thank everyone for their donations and we also thank our many volunteers for their service." said Chisholm in a more serious tone. "It is nearly impossible to thank all the people and organizations that give financial or food support to the food bank, but know that we are extremely grateful to one and all."
The Mitchell County Food Bank was started in 1985 by Leo Chisholm and the late Laverne Herman.
The organization relies solely on the donations from local individuals, area churches and youth groups, as well as contributions from businesses, industries and various service organizations. It receives no state or government funding. "This is all I have ever done - feed people," said Chisholm with a chuckle. A semi-retired insurance agent from Osage, Chisholm currently coordinates the volunteers, buys most of the food and regularly stocks the shelves.
Chisholm said that response to the Mitchell County Food Bank over the past two and a half decades has been tremendous. "We've never run out of food and we've never run out of people who need it," he said. "The churches, the Boy Scouts, the schools, the Legion and V.F.W. have all been fantastic to us in supporting us."
So far this year the organization has served approximately 1,300 people. That number is an increase from last year.
He said many of those in need are referred to the local food bank by churches, whose congregations often offer vouchers for those in need, but anyone in need (and anyone in Mitchell County) is welcome to stop in. A one-time registration is all that is required.
"We are thankful that we have the Osage Ministerial Association and all the churches in Mitchell County to help along with some of the larger donations. Each church involved takes a month to collect for the cause."
Chisholm said that the Mitchell County Food Bank is a valuable service for everyone involved. Not only does it help people in need, but it saves taxpayer dollars by not involving the government. "The average person gets about $70 worth of groceries per visit. You multiply that by the 1,500 or so people that visit each year, and that's over $70,000 per year. That's a lot of money," explained Chisholm.
Those donations to pay for the service, Chisholm said, came from various county banks, the Crop Walk, John Hanson Foundation, Cheer Fund, Mitchell County Farm Bureau, Aid Association of Lutherans, Lutheran Brotherhood, Community Action, V.F.W. Auxiliary and the public schools in Osage and St. Ansgar and Sacred Heart School in Osage along with numerous other contributions from individuals and organizations throughout the year.
Those who wish to make monetary donations to this critical local service can send them to Leo Chisholm at 5 Presidential Court, Osage Iowa 50461, or give them to Yvonne Tourtellott at the Home Trust and Savings Bank in Osage.
Story created Dec 02, 2008 - 10:38:21 CST.
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