ThisWeek CW 11/17/2011
The Canal Winchester Food Pantry will change its name to the Canal Winchester Community Pantry when it begins operating under the auspices of Canal Winchester Human Services.
The boards of the two organizations are expected to complete the switch at a Nov. 17 meeting.
“After 30 years of operating from David’s United Church of Christ, the food pantry will enter a new chapter as it officially becomes a program of Canal Winchester Human Services,” Human Services executive director Penny Miller said. “The church has been generous to offer space and administrative support through the years, but the pantry has outgrown them.”
At the beginning of this year, according to Miller, the food pantry was providing services to an average of 30 families a week, which was already an increase from previous years.
“In recent weeks, the average has increased to over 60 families, and new faces are walking through the door every day,” Miller said.
The food pantry will benefit from Human Services’ 501(c)3 nonprofit status, which will allow the organization to apply for grants and other funding streams not previously available.
“We participated in The Big Give, which will help to get the food pantry set up in the new location,” Miller said.
The Big Give, held by the Columbus Foundation, provided $1 million in matching funds to local organizations and raised more than $8.7 million in a 24-hour period Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11, according to the press release.
The newly named Canal Winchester Community Pantry will continue to serve clients through the end of the year at David’s United Church of Christ until it can be relocated to its new home at 360 W. Waterloo St.
“We’re happy that Lisa Zurbriggen will continue on as the pantry’s coordinator, keeping everything running smoothly,” Miller said. “The new location needs paint and new flooring, and we need to set up the office area. We’re looking for donations of office equipment and in-kind donations of all sorts to get the new pantry set up.”
Miller said a community open house is being planned for late January, after the move is complete.
“As we enter into the holiday season, we hope everyone will continue to be mindful of the struggles that many of our neighbors face, and support the food pantry, Adopt-A-Family and all the programs that are offered through Canal Winchester Human Services,” Miller said.
Food and household items for the food pantry can continue to be donated at David’s United Church of Christ at 80 W. Columbus St. through the end of the year. Financial contributions should be made payable to Canal Winchester Human Services.
For more information contact 834-3888 or www.cwhumanservices.org.