​Volunteer Crews Sought for Service Day in Area Pantries

From Stark County Hunger Task Force: “We are seeking volunteer crews from area businesses to team with nine network pantries and complete work projects including cleaning and organizing distribution centers and warehouses, painting, repairs and restocking,” said Ralph Norton, SCHTF interim executive director.

To register a work crew on line go to (http://starkhunger.org/event/springtoaction/) or call the office at 330.455.6667 or email the number of individuals in the work crew and your company or club contact information to info@starkhunger.org.
The service day is the first of a number of events from April through June 30 to raise funds and awareness for the cause of alleviating local hunger in Stark County through the annual Hunger at Home Campaign.

“Your team's donated time would be invaluable to the volunteer-run food pantries that serve our community, and would make a tangible on-the-ground difference towards providing food for our neighbors struggling with food insecurity,” Norton said.

These projects for which the pantries don’t typically have the manpower or expertise to tackle will help the facilities to be able to distribute food more conveniently and effectively.

The event is sponsored by Thrivent Financial with support from numerous businesses donating food for the volunteers.

“The Hunger at Home Campaign goal is to raise $125,000, which will allow us to meet our year-end budget and continue to feed more than 29,000 Stark County residents each month,” said Norton.

The campaign continues into the spring and early summer with many more opportunities to get involved and help feed the 57,000 individuals in our own back yard who struggle to make ends meet and place food on the table.

Coming events include:

• April 1-30*: Coin Drive Collections coin boxes out to Stark County schools.
• May 13: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: Place non-perishable donations out the mailbox, and the letter carriers will make sure your donations directly impact the hungry in Stark County with the SCHTF.
• May 5 and 6: CCAG’s Empty Bowls for Hunger program at the Canton Museum of Art. All ceramic bowl purchases at the Bowls for Hunger Sale go directly to the Stark County Hunger Task Force.

• June: Plant Something Green campaign to fight local hunger. Plant a row or a plant and dedicate its fruits to feed the hungry.
• June 10: Fairways to Fight Hunger golf outing; sponsorships available (http://starkhunger.org/golf2017/).

Founded in 1981, Stark County Hunger Task Force at 408 9th St. SW, Canton, leads the battle against hunger in Stark County. Operating almost entirely on donations, SCHTF provides free groceries to an average of more than 29,000 individuals every month through over 30 food pantries, “Backpacks for Kids” programs and an emergency pantry. For more information, call330.455.6667 or visit SCHTF online at www.starkhunger.org.

Image courtesy of Stark County Hunger Task Force