Johnston Partnership Open House Thanks Supporters: How Can You Help?

The Johnston Partnership took time to thank supporters Tuesday night with a reception at its new location.

Thanks to students, parents and staff in the Johnston school district, as well as businesses, churches and other individuals, the Johnston Partnership was able to supply 91 holiday meals for district families during Thanksgiving.

Tuesday's reception served not only to thank supporters with food, wine and holiday cheer, but as a time for community members to tour the new location.

The partnership, which houses the local DMARC Food Pantry and a Clothes Closet, moved to its new digs at 5870 Merle Hay Road in August.

"Everybody seems to like the new location," Lindsey Wanderscheid, Partnership president said. "It's set up great for us. People like it here."

Usage of the Partnership has doubled since last winter, Wanderscheid estimated.

"We serve 250 individuals, about 80 families," she said.

After Tuesday's open house, the Partnership will be gearing up for the second Annual Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner on Feb. 12.

DMARC Food Pantry
Residents can pick up a food box from the pantry that contains enough food to feed their family for four days, Wanderscheid said.

The box also contains five personal care items such as toothpaste, deodorant and other essentials.

Food pantry clients may visit once per month.

Food Pantry clients must bring identification for each member of their family and a document or piece of mail with a current postmark each time they visit.

When available families may shop for bread and fresh produce weekly.

Diapers, wipes, formula and baby food are available on request.

Clothes Closet
The Community Clothes Closet provides place for lower income individuals and families in the Johnston School District to obtain needed clothing items.

Families in the Johnston school district may access this clothing closet as many times as they need and will be allowed 5 clothing items per family member per visit.  There will be no fee for the clothing items.

Please bring a recent bill showing your current address.  

Please be advised that the Clothes Closet will NOT be open during inclement weather or if Johnston schools are closed.

How to Help
The Johnston Partnership welcomes volunteers to help sort and package items during open time, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Wanderscheid said.

If you can't make it to the Partnership to volunteer time, you can always stop by with a donation.

Top needed items include:

• Laundry Detergent (e.g. Sun brand from Dollar Tree)
• Size 4 Diapers and Pull ups
• New Childrens Socks and Underwear
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Tuna and Chicken
• Cereal (hot and cold)