As a way to help spread the word of the availability of Brockport Ecumenical Emergency Food Shelf services, board members are distributing brochures throughout the Food Shelf's service area. In what began in 1973 as an outreach ministry program of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the program expanded in 1990 to meet the needs and demands of the community. When the Ecumenical Food Shelf was formed, it stated as its mission, "to reduce hunger by providing relief to eligible residents. This commitment includes helping applicants empower themselves through appropriate channels ... all clients will be treated with respect and all volunteers and donors with appreciation." The distribution of the newly conceived Food Shelf brochures will help increase the organization's exposure to those who need its services and also to those who may be interested in donating to the Food Shelf. "We want to make sure people have access to our services," Food Shelf Board member Tony Pietrzykowski said. "There are a lot of people out there who need food at different times and that's what we're here for - to help them." Individuals in the Brockport, Sweden, Clarkson and Bergen areas who are experiencing unemployment, new job pay delay, a family breakdown, illness, low income or unexpected expenses are urged to contact the Food Shelf for assistance. "Any time there are any people who are hungry we want to be there to offer them help and assistance," Board President Johnnie Lehman said. Several food drives are conducted throughout the year but non-perishable foods or personal care items are accepted at any time. For information on the Food Shelf contact 637-8169. Volunteers are always in demand to assist with donation drives, pick up and delivery of supplies, stocking shelves, cleaning, bagging and dispensing commodities to clients. |
