To the editor:
2020 has been an extremely challenging year for many in our community. The threat of the coronavirus has caused job reductions, school closures and isolation resulting in loss of income for many in our county. In an area whose primary industry is tourism, Brown County has suffered greatly during this pandemic. The volunteer support network here in Brown County has also been stretched thin as closures and unemployment increase.
However, a unique collaboration of many churches, Mother’s Cupboard, NBCFA, COAD, St. Vincent De Paul, the YMCA, TRIAD and governmental agencies have all risen to this challenge to feed, clothe and support those in need.
Originally an idea spearheaded by Donna Niednagel of St. David’s Episcopal Church with the Northern Brown County Food Alliance in Bean Blossom, this coalition quickly came together and initiated a “Pop-Up” food pantry giving groceries, winter coats and more in the neighborhoods where people live.
During the final “Pop-up Pantry” of 2020 (there will be more in 2021), St. David’s wanted to include a bag of household necessities for each car. This included hand soap, toilet paper, light bulbs, sanitizer wipes, dish soap, paper towels and more. We also included handmade ornaments and Christmas cards with a small gift for each family to help encourage and cheer our neighbors going through this difficult time.
In the background of all this volunteer work is a financial supporter, the Brown County Community Foundation, which has dedicated significant funds to support these trying times. St. David’s was a recipient of a generous grant from our community foundation to help with our efforts to give more than just food this Christmas to our neighbors and friends who drove through the “Pop-up Pantry.”
St. David’s would like to thank the Brown County Community Foundation for their support, especially during this pandemic, and for always caring about the Brown County communities! Thank you!
Sincerely,
St. David’s Episcopal Church Outreach Committee (submitted by Marylin Day) — committee members Donna Niednagel (chair) Angie Aumage, Ed McCabe, Laura Wenzler, Pat Bolinger, Yvonne Oliger, Fran Dugan, Lauren Woodworth, Marylin Day, Sandy Ackerman, the Rev. Mary Bargiel
Send letters to [email protected] by noon Thursday before the date of intended publication (noon Wednesday on holiday weeks). Letters must be signed by the author and include the writer’s town of residence and a contact method in case of questions.
Letters are the opinions of the writer. They are not verified facts.
Only one letter every two weeks, per writer, to allow for diversity of voices in the opinions section. Please be considerate of sharing space with other letter-writers and keep your comments concise and to the point. Avoid name-calling, accusations of criminal activity and second- and third-hand statements of “fact.”
