Two years ago, the First Congregational Church of Anamosa kicked off a special program meant to help increase donations to HACAP, our community’s food pantry. The program asked local churches to donate as many items as they could to the pantry during a certain time period. HACAP staff kept track of the total pounds per church and a winner was declared at the end of the donation period. It was a huge success, substantially increasing donations. This year, the challenge is being issued to our entire community. Called the Pounds for the Pantry Challenge, the program is open to any business, church or organization that would like to participate.
Here is how you can take part:
Between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, collect items in a central location. Take your donations to the food pantry any time throughout this period. When you drop off your items, tell the pantry staff which organization you represent. The staff will keep track of the weight of all donations by business, church or organization. Cash donations are credited as $1 equivalent to 1 pound.
After Dec. 31, a winner will be declared! The winning group will become the holder for the following year of a special trophy you can proudly display. Your group’s name will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque that hangs at the LCC.
Please consider joining this special effort to support people in need. While your group may become “the winner,” the real winners are the people in our community who we help feed.
If you have questions about the program, please call Mary Curtis at 507-250-2330.