Jill's Journal: ‘Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard...’
Last week, when Linda Weber, the executive director the Brandon Area Food Pantry, called me to ask for a favor, I gave her my usual response, “I can probably do that.”
When she told me what the favor would be, without hesitation, I knew that I could help her out. And you can, too.
On Oct. 20 and 22, local Boy Scouts and members from Brandon VFW Post 4726, will be going door to door throughout the Brandon Valley Area School District, distributing door hangers that explain the Scouting for Food drive process. Then, they’ll return to those same doorsteps starting at about 9 a.m. Saturday to collect these donations of non-perishables intended for the Food Pantry.
With the skyrocketing price of groceries and nearly every other household item on the rise, the need for the Brandon Area Food Pantry has never been greater. But thanks to the willingness of these volunteers – and you – the shelves will be replenished.
Troop leader Randy Gunnink said the Scouts look forward to this specific event every year.
“They love it! It’s their favorite thing of the year. They get fresh air and get to run around, and they enjoy it and love seeing all the food come in,” he’s told me in the past.
While all donations of non-expired non-perishables are greatly appreciated, the Pantry’s current needs are microwave popcorn, taco seasoning, bottles of juice, Rice-a-Roni, jelly/jam, BBQ sauce, canned carrots, vegetable and vegetable beef soups, deodorant, shampoo (only) and laundry detergent (56 ounces).
“We know times are tough for a lot of people, but we are hoping to make this year a great one,” Commander Andrew Schmidt wrote in a recent Facebook post, adding that all items donated remain 100% local.
A few reminders …
• If you haven’t been playing our weekly Pick the Pigskin contest, you’re missing out on free cash!
Last week, we had our first $50 winner. Keith Neuharth picked all 14 games correctly. Each week we’re giving away $25 to the first-place winner and $10 to second place, but if you get them all correct like Keith did, then you’ll be in the money!
• Over the past several weeks, we’ve been plugging a free Brandon Historical Society event that’s taking place at 6 p.m. this Sunday in the Commons at Brandon Valley High School.
Carson Walker, who is the CEO of South Dakota News Watch and a colleague of mine on the South Dakota NewsMedia Association Board of Directors, will be leading an interactive presentation on the role civics and the news played in our nation’s history. It’s a timely topic, given it’s the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. His presentation will include the separation of powers among the branches of government and the system of checks and balances; civic responsibilities; and how to find trusted sources of news and information. The program is free and open to the public.
