Food Shelf Receives Grants
by Kerrie Pughe
March 25, 2010, page 10

We are participating in the Feinstein Challenge Grant again this year. Donations to the Food Shelf during March and April are eligible for matching funds through the Feinstein Foundation.

For 12 years, Allen Feinstein, a Rhode Island philanthropist, has donated $1 million annually to anti-hunger agencies through his nonprofit foundation. But he requires some participation by the agencies. Each year this challenge has had tremendous results. Last year, 1,700 organizations took part, raising $197 million for the hungry. And since the foundation issued the first call a dozen years ago, 2,000-plus agencies have raised more than $1 billion. If you are considering a contribution to the Charlotte Food Shelf, this would be an excellent time to do so, and make your donation even more helpful in our community. Our hope is these funds and the funds donated this past holiday season will take us well into this fall.

Donations may be mailed to:

Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance
3319 Mt. Philo Rd.
Charlotte, Vermont, 05445

We’d like to thank Our Lady of Mount Carmel Confirmation class for 50 lbs of fresh potatoes as well as frozen veggies and hamburger. We would also like to thank all those who donated nonperishable food at the library drop off box. Thank you to the Beal Family for children’s toys and thank you to the student volunteers William Hall and Will Razaska for fresh food shopping.

SCHIP (Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Projects) provided us with two grants totaling $1,500: $500 for our “Hand Me Down” program (donate your gently worn children’s clothing for families in need) and a $1,000 grant for the “Backpack for Success”  2010-2011 school year. The Backpack for Success program will provide all children in need with a backpack to start school with in the fall. Receiving the grant early will allow for volunteers to shop for sale backpacks to stretch the grant money even further.

All food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings.

If you are having a difficult time these winter months, please remember your Food Shelf is here and stocked with nutritious food for your family. It’s located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry.

The Food Shelf is open from 7:30-9 a.m. on the following Thursdays: March 25, April 8, 22, May 13, 27

For emergency food: Lisa, 425-2952
For more information: Karen, 425-3252

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Trinity Episcopal Church Silent Auction Supports Food Shelves

The results from the Trinity Episcopal Church Silent Auction held February 5, 2010, are in. The gross proceeds were $2,953, and checks of $889.77 each have been sent to the Shelburne, Charlotte and Hinesburg food shelves. The Trinity auction committee thanks the community for supporting its effort and is already in the planning stages for a future auction.

-Kathleen McKinley Harris