Over the last 10 years the Ely Rotary Club has donated $72,000 to the Ely Area Food Shelf. And while the check this past week was greatly appreciated, it may not cover one month’s food expenses.
Our local Food Shelf runs a tight ship. Basically there is a part-time employee, the costs of the building operation and all the rest of the monies go toward purchasing food. Over 200 families use the Food Shelf every month. And that need is growing each year.
Executive director Nancy Schwartz was very appreciative of everything the Rotary Club has done to raise funds. Believe it or not, the penny jars you see in area businesses generated $7,000 of the $9,000 raised. That’s impressive.
But so are the volunteers who make all of this happen from the Rotary Club members to the folks who make the Food Shelf a successful operation. Volunteers are the key.
But even with the various programs available for assistance, the Ely Area Food Shelf is also reliant on individuals who have stepped up. Schwartz said this week when changes were made by the federal government that caused a temporary increase in people needing food, there were phone calls from donors who asked, “What do you need?”
Schwartz said while all donations are very important, being able to get a big chunk like the Rotary Club’s donation, can make a big difference.
The Ely Area Food Shelf operates out of a small building on Conan Street where it seems every square inch is utilized. Yet somehow they help people who are in need with what they have to work with, from food to space.
Thank you to the Ely Rotary Club and all of the donors both near and far who step up and make our community a better place to live.
