United Way spotlights Good Cheer Food Pantry

GREELEY — No where is the spirit of volunteerism more evident than at the Good Cheer Food Pantry. Aptly named for the sense of happiness and commitment that comes through when discussing the Pantry, a team of volunteers mans the Pantry the first Wednesday of every month at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Greeley. The Pantry provides for 25-30 families in Pike County on an as-needed basis. At least a third of the funding for provisions comes from the United Way, the rest coming from private donations and grants. Keeping the shelves stocked can cost between $500-$1000 each month. The Pantry purchases most of the food from Shurway in Greeley which has helped tremendously in keeping track of the lowest costs and special sales for non-perishable items. Food drives run by Girl Scouts, schools and the Ski Big Bear United Way fundraiser, plus individual donations, round out the efforts to keep supplies meeting demand. The constant goal of the Good Cheer Food Pantry is to provide the best service it can to those in need. The reward is knowing families will not go hungry. A favorite story of the volunteers is about one lady who had been surviving on the generosity of the Food Pantry. She finally became self-supporting and to show her thanks and appreciation, drove a large truck up to the door and unloaded the contents - all food. As volunteer coordinator Ann Schmalzle says, “if anyone is considering donating to any organization, please give to the United Way because the money stays in our community.” Helen, a volunteer, simply adds, “Thank God for United Way!” For more information about the Pantry, Please call either Ann Schmalzle 570-226-3966 or, if there is an emergency situation, call Ann or Ed and Ella Eggenberger 570-685-7260. For more information about the United Way of Pike County or any of its upcoming events visit www.unitedwaypike.org, email us at uwpc@ptd.net, or call 570-296-9980.