Thanks to 30-year food pantry volunteer
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Editor,
Three decades ago, the Polson community was fortunate to have local church leaders who came together to found the Loaves and Fish food pantry to provide emergency food supplies to those in need. Over the past 30 years the area’s population and the need for temporary food supplies has grown. The economic challenges of the past few years have increased the demand on the resources of the pantry at the same time that government support has declined. The pantry currently serves, on average, about 1,100 people a month.
But the pantry is fortunate to be generously supported by the citizens of Polson area and by the continued support of Town Pump and Mission Mountain Les Schwab Tires who have again committed to matching donations this fall up to $5,000 and $2,000 respectively. The pantry operates with no paid staff so all donations are used to keep the operation going. The matching funds are available until Nov. 30 and will allow our donors to double their monetary support of this community resource.
I feel compelled to end this appeal for support with a special thank-you to Gerrie Boyle. She was one of the original church representatives that oversaw the founding of the pantry and has tirelessly worked from the beginning to maintain the operation, organizing and prodding the other volunteers to keep the doors open and the food flowing to those in need. Next year, Gerrie will complete her 30th year of volunteer work in service to those in need. I have every reason to believe and certainly hope that she will continue for many years to come. Thank you, Gerrie, for your inspiration.
Bob Fulton
Polson
