Four local agencies have teamed up to conduct a “Fill the Truck” event Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Reynolds/Shopko parking lot.
The Richland County Food Bank, the Salvation Army, ROI, Inc. and Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence are all experiencing increased demands on their services due to the growth in our community. The idea to “Fill the Truck” was originally presented by Glendive to Candy Markwald of the Richland County Food Bank. She contacted the other agencies, which the food bank works with on a daily basis and which were also struggling, and they decided to “give it a shot”. “Even if we only get one pound of food, it’s more than what we have now,” Markwald said. But the hope of all involved is to fill the big ROI van by the end of the day on Wednesday. Each organization has provided an essential items list. These are items they could and do use on a daily basis. Pick up a list from the volunteers at the big yellow truck and help “Fill The Truck”.
An estimated two thirds of the people who require the services of the Food Bank, Salvation Army and Domestic Abuse are from out of town. From the family of six that arrives with nothing more than the hope of jobs and a better life, to the guy who just needs enough gas to get to Williston where he has a job waiting, the needs are varied and endless. Or maybe the need comes from a local person who has seen their rent increase to the point that it now equals their paycheck or the senior citizen who is having to choose between food, medicine or rent. “Many of the stories are heartbreakers,” Markwald said.
Sidney Salvation Army
The Sidney Salvation is finding that even with the economy being very good in the area, there are still individuals and families with needs. Over the years, the Sidney Salvation Army has been able to help many with their needs due to the gracious support of the community. We are asking for that support to continue and we are always working on helping our community to be a better place to live.
We are finding that there are a few items of need at our local Thrift Store, being kitchen items such as dishes, silverware, pots and pans. Many families come in with the need for clothing for their children and because of the generous donations of clothing we are able to meet some of their needs. Some of those families are in need of disposable diapers at times. We try to keep a stock of them on hand, so we are asking the community to help with donations of diapers.
One other item we find that individuals or families are in need of from time to time is help with gas for their vehicles. We try to limit the amount and the number of times that we help them. We do find those that need help with fuel to get medical care, looking for work or getting to the grocery store. These are some of the reasons why we are asking for gas cards to help with those needs.
Nationwide you find that during the days before Christmas a common sight is found around communities, and that is the Red Kettle of Salvation Army. With the money raised from the kettle Salvation Army units are able to provide service to those in need in their community. The Sidney Salvation Army unit is asking for help from the community with the ringing of the bell from the end of November up to Christmas. Needed is an individual or group that would be willing to volunteer to help set up a schedule of bell ringers at the Red Kettle sights and to help with finding volunteers from the community. We are asking that any individual or group willing to take on this task contact the Salvation Army at 406-433-6299 or contact Bob Burnison at 406-488-1287. Thank you for the continued support of the Salvation Army.
ROI, Inc.
ROI is in need of assistance due to state budget cuts. In the 2011 legislative session, the state reduced ROI’s rate reimbursement back by 2% to 2009 rates. This, along with the current economic situation has strained our budget for two years.
Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides assistance to 150-200 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program will provide over 500 shelter nights to victims and children during the coming year. RCCADV is operating on a $10,000 budget deficit.
Richland County Food Bank
The Richland County Food Bank has continued to see a growing level of use. The growth we are seeing is from community members and new arrivals.
As our client numbers have grown. The numbers of pounds given out has also increased. We rely on the community to help us meet this growing need. During the last four months we have assisted 268 adults, 148 children and given out 13,820 pounds of food. We have received through generous donations 5,557 pounds.
We would like to thank Reynolds, Shopko, Reese & Rays, Pepsi, the Sidney Herald and The Round Up for helping us fill the box!
If you need assistance from the Food Bank we are available by appointment Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or call 406-433-8142.
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