.jpg){kind=small}
Every year there are families who struggle to not just put presents under the tree, but to put food on the table. But, a small gift can make a big difference for those in need this holiday season.
“It has been very, very busy for us,” Brandon Area Food Pantry Director Linda Weber said.
Weber says the number of people she serves has taken a sharp increase in recent months.
"People who have been cut down on hours, lost some of their medical, people who just can’t make it, just can’t make it. So we've been very busy," Weber said.
The pantry serves the Brandon area and she says while need is up, the people who make what she does possible are more gracious than she could ever ask for.
"I've got to tell ya the people in the Brandon Valley area are the most supporting people that there are. I get phone calls that say what would you like? What do you need? What can we do for you?” Weber said.
But help is always needed. She says food donations are more than welcome but money can go much further. With only $5 she can buy 26 boxes of cereal and around 25 pounds of turkey. And with Christmas around the corner, a hearty meal is always looked forward to.
“It means everything to families. It means everything to families. And it’s just a good feeling they leave. I carry out their groceries and they have food to feed their kids, their parents or anybody else. This time of year, everyone needs to be fed. Everyone needs to be fed,” Weber said.
The pantry accepts people in need who have a referral card from a school counselor, churches in Brandon, Volunteers of American, the VA Center, or the Department of Social Services. They are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
If you would like to donate you can call them at 605-582-7001 or stop by when they’re open.
Comments