Open Director Position & Volunteers Needed At MSP
Market Street Pantry Updates…
As many of you may know, the COVID-19 virus precipitated a few major changes at Market Street Pantry (MSP). We were transformed from a choice pantry (one in which shoppers are accompanied by volunteers as they make their food selections), to a pantry that drastically reduces person-to-person contact while still maintaining effective food distribution.
Here are a few of the steps that have been taken:
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the pantry is now open, 8:30 – 11:45 am. Expanding the hours helps to prevent large groups from gathering in the parking lot first thing in the morning.
In lieu of personal shopping, approximately 320 boxes and bags are pre-filled by volunteers each week.
A 6’ table is placed in the entry way with the boxed and bagged food that is then picked up by the client.
Handles and surfaces are disinfected; hand sanitizer is available; gloves are provided and masks are required.
There are no more than ten volunteers at a time in the building.
We are grateful to Susan and Russ Potter who have guided us through this difficult time!
JOB OPENING
We have now switched to a Director/Manager model for administrative purposes. Bill Hanes and Sarah Leavell serve as Managers and the Director position is currently vacant. If you might be interested, please contact Fr. Michael for a copy of the job description.
We are equally grateful for the loyal volunteers who show up every week and who have kept everything running smoothly! Many of you may not be aware that volunteers work at the pantry five days a week, not just when the pantry is open to clients!
Each time there is a government/community giveaway or increase/decrease in client benefits, we are affected. Currently, visits have surged to 80-90 households/week and the work load has increased to match the demand. It is not a secret that we are in need of additional volunteers!
Specifically, here is what we need:
TUESDAY AND/OR THURSDAY:
Volunteers with a vehicle (SUV, pickup, van or really big trunk!) to pick up food at the Food Pantry Network of Licking County (FPN) warehouse and transport it back to MSP. Meet time is 7:30 am, Tuesdays; 8:30 am Thursdays We currently have two volunteers on each day but need one more. Contact Bill Hanes (whanes@roadrunner.com), or Sarah Leavell (leavell@denison.edu ), if you can help.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SUNDAY OR MONDAY:
Volunteers who would be willing to sweep or shop vac the pantry weekly, and, clean the bathroom. Contact Bill Hanes (whanes@roadrunner.com), or Sarah Leavell (leavell@denison.edu ), if you can help.
WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS:
Volunteers to prefill boxes and bags, and volunteers to restock the shelves.
Volunteers who would be willing to learn the client intake computer program, an 8:00 am – 12:00 noon commitment.
If you would like to participate, just go to St. Luke’s website (www.stlukesgranville.org), click on Outreach – under Market Street Pantry, click on Online Volunteer Signup. Thanks to Mary Lucas-Miller for overseeing the volunteer sign-ups!
If you want to learn more, contact Bill Hanes (whanes@roadrunner.com), or Sarah Leavell (leavell@denison.edu).
FINANCES
Monetary donations support the day-to-day operation of Market Street Pantry. Monthly expenses include: rent; electricity (lights, freezers, refrigerators); gas (hot water and heat); Newark City water and sewer; telephone and communications. From time to time, food/supplies have to be supplemented. For instance, staples such as toilet paper, soup, canned meats and canned pasta are not always available through the FPN, and that means those items have to be purchased. Bags sturdy enough for canned goods and convenient for walkers, those in wheelchairs, and the homeless are also purchased.
Accordingly, monetary donations are encouraged, and welcome! If you would like to contribute, send a check to St. Luke’s, PO Box 82, Granville, OH 43023, with Market Street Pantry on the memo line.
We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support!
Bill and Sarah