‘Food for Friends’

By RICH PAULSEN

April 17, 2020 at 10:47 am CDT

Mark O'Riley and treasurer Jodi Rushing, left, both of the Creston Area Food Pantry, accept donations from Ellen Gerharz, back right, on behalf of the Christmas Basket Fund and Melissa James, front right, on behalf of the Creston Rotary. The donations are part of the new fund drive 'Food for Friends,' a program run by the Creston News Advertiser to help the local food pantry during the coronavirus pandemic.

Beginning today the Creston News Advertiser will be running a new program called “Food for Friends.” It is similar to the annual Christmas Basket program. Donations to “Food for Friends” will be given to the Creston Area Food Pantry to help residents within the region who have been impacted by the unprecedented COVID-19 situation.

The Christmas Basket Fund and the Creston Rotary Club have kicked off the fund drive with contributions of $1,000 each. The goal is to reach $7,000.

Food pantries all across America are experiencing heavy usage with the unemployment and under-employment surging.

Checks can be made out to Christmas Basket Fund and can be dropped off at the Creston News Advertiser in the drop box next to the front door. Contributions can also be mailed to the Creston News Advertiser, P.O. Box 126 Creston, IA 50801.

The fund will continue to take contributions throughout April and the month of May. Contributors will be recognized each Friday. Donations may also be made in memory of or in thanks to someone else.

Residents have been generous in helping out in the past. The Creston News Advertiser management and staff appreciate all those that want to help out others. The area has many local heroes. That is why this is such a great place to live.