Supply is keeping up with demand at the county’s food bank these days.
Director Bobbie Rooker said the overwhelming amount of donations of food and money during the holidays has spilled over to help them weather the traditionally “leaner” months of January and February.
Rooker said Christmas donations of toys, food and money were “up by half” this year, despite the economy, and helped, she thinks in part, by the food bank’s larger, more prominent location along Hwy. 98 and the new sign out front.
“I’ve had people come by and tell me, ‘I didn’t know we had a county food bank’,” she said. “It’s just better now that we’re more visible.”
Many civic clubs and organizations have continued, and even stepped up, their donations, along with schools, churches, the county and city governments and others, including many individuals.
“It’s just been amazing,” she said.
In addition to long-time volunteer Tracy Morgan, who was given a part-time paid position by the county recently, Rooker said they now have three regular volunteers.
And thanks to the increase in donations, Rooker said they were able to provide a “nice Christmas” to 369 children in 2012, while 226 families were assisted with boxes of food.
“I just can’t say enough about how much I appreciate how the donations have multiplied, it’s really heartwarming,” she said. “It’s wonderful to live in a community that gives so freely of itself.”
But on the flip side, Rooker noted that she has also seen an uptick in clientele.
Madison County Food Bank director Bobbie Rooker and her assistant Tracy Morgan stand among the overflow food boxes at the food bank this week. Rooker said they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community in recent weeks. Margie Richards/staff
Stocked shelves but clientele up at Madison County Food Bank
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#1
A. Smith
on
01/27/13 at 07:12 PM
[Reply]
I really appreciate the service the Madison County Food Bank offers to the less fortunate residents in our area. I only wish there were a drop box available for the donation of canned goods and other non-perishable items. I have been driving around for several weeks with some items I need to donate tucked away in my trunk, but I never seem to be passing by the location when they're open to receive donations.