2011-06-28 Joseph's Coat, inc; Mobile Pantry Project: Si
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LNJ C,1737 Washington St.
Nebraska 6800:
(402) 426-0440
June 1, 2011
Peggy Frahm
Blair City Council
218 South 16th Street
Blair, NE 68008
Re: Big Red Keno funds
Dear Ms. Frahm,
As a board member with Joseph's Coat,, Inc., I am reaching out to you for assistance with our Mobile
Pantry project. Since 2004, Joseph's Coat has been making a difference in Washington County by
providing food to families in need and engaging the community in supporting their neighbors by
volunteering their time and donating quality merchandise.
And now, in these hard economic times, Joseph's Coat has recently introduced the Mobile Pantry.
This program is a traveling "farmers market" style, one -day food distribution. It is unique in that,
unlike the traditional pantry, there are no qualifications—if you are in need; you may access the
Mobile Pantry, no questions asked. For many, this bi-monthly pantry eases the burden of making the
choice between purchasing food or paying the electric bill. For others, it is an opportunity to have
the benefit of perishable items, a luxury that for many is not affordable or normally available
through the traditional pantry. We are proud to be able to provide additional assistance to those
experiencing hard times.
Joseph's Coat has collaborated with the Food Bank of the Heartland by purchasing pallets of food
and household items at an extremely reduced rate. The Food Bank delivers the goods, which consist
of products with an emphasis on perishable items such as fresh produce, meats and bakery items.
Volunteers distribute the food free of charge to those who come to the Mobile Pantry seeking
assistance.
The first Mobile Pantry was held in Blair on October 2, 2010 in the parking lot at St. Francis Borgia
Catholic Church. 3,200 lbs. of food were distributed to 155 individuals with 28 volunteers in
assistance. The second pantry, which grew by leaps and bounds, was held at the Blair North Fire
Station on December 4, 2010, where 42 volunteers assisted 512 individuals in receiving 10,000 lbs.
of food. A panty was held on February 12 and April 9, and one is set for June 4. Our goal is to hold
the Mobile Panty bi-monthly (on the second Saturday of every other month), and to eventually
extend the pantry into neighboring towns.
The cost to hold each Mobile Pantry is $1,650 (which includes food, print and advertising and
refreshments for the volunteers). The board is asking that Big Red Keno consider funding three
Mobile Pantries for a total of $4,950. This would cover a six month period and could be broken into
three gifts. Please contact me with your questions or more information. I would be pleased to discuss
this project with you in greater detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this project.
ISincely,ara io
Board of Directors
402.210.9446